Business Details
34 Years
experience
Trusted Specialized Transportation Services in Columbus
Since 1992, our family-owned business has led Central Ohio's specialized transportation sector with unwavering commitment to safety and care. As third-generation operators, we combine three decades of expertise with personalized service across two core divisions: school transportation for special needs students and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) for adults. Our 150 highly-trained drivers utilize modern wheelchair-accessible vehicles while maintaining rigorous safety protocols, serving 25 school districts and medical facilities through meticulous route planning and 24/7 on-demand service. Our team's industry knowledge extends to IEP requirements and Medicaid/Medicare compliance, ensuring seamless door-to-door experiences backed by BBB A+ accreditation and Columbus Chamber membership. 
Services
School Transportation
Adult NEMT
Wheelchair Vans
Mechanical Inspection
Customer Service
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- Family-owned with 30+ years of specialized transportation expertise
- 150+ highly-trained drivers with safety certification programs
- Established partnerships with 25 Central Ohio school districts
- On-demand medical transport available within one hour notice
- Maintain BBB A+ rating for business excellence and reliability
Associations and certifications
- Better Business Bureau
- Columbus Chamber of Commerce
What people say
Professionalism and dedication
Reputable and safe
Accommodating office staff
Services
School Transportation
Specialized transportation for students with special needs, providing door-to-door service aligned with IEP requirements. Our trained drivers and wheelchair-accessible vehicles ensure safe transport while maintaining strict scheduling protocols. We coordinate directly with schools and families to guarantee reliable service.
Adult NEMT
Non-emergency medical transportation for seniors and disabled adults, featuring wheelchair-accessible vehicles and compassionate drivers. Available for scheduled and last-minute appointments, we coordinate with healthcare facilities and insurance providers to ensure timely, accessible transport solutions.
Wheelchair Vans
Modern fleet of wheelchair-accessible vehicles equipped with secure ramps and safety features. Each vehicle undergoes regular mechanical inspections to maintain optimal safety standards while providing comfortable transport for passengers with mobility needs.
People
Lauren Payne
COO / President
Third-generation leader with deep understanding of family transportation needs. Directs operations with emphasis on community partnerships and innovative safety solutions for special needs transport.
Ryan Downing
Executive Vice President
Client services expert overseeing fleet management and safety protocols. Focuses on maintaining family values while expanding transportation access across growing Central Ohio communities.
Questions
What types of transportation services do you provide?
We specialize in school transportation for students with special needs and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) for adults.
Are your vehicles wheelchair-accessible?
Our fleet features modern wheelchair-accessible vehicles with secure ramps and safety equipment for passengers with mobility needs.
Do you operate 24/7?
Customer service operates Monday-Friday 6AM-6PM. Emergency transport available with 1-hour notice during operating hours.
What safety measures do you implement?
We utilize defensive driving techniques, regular driver training, vehicle monitoring technology, and comprehensive mechanical inspections.
Reviews (7)
Patric Irwin
Oct 03, 2021
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A wonderful organization providing transportation for those in need to Central Ohio Schools. I highly recommend and request your support
Patty B.
Jun 15, 2021
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Darryl was excellent with my special needs teen C who was on his first work intern this summer. Always kind to him and accommodated his special issue. Peace of mind for me. Thank you. Give Darryl a raise.
Pearl Wagner
Nov 29, 2020
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This is the most beautiful set of people i have met!! I feel blesses that i was able to become a part of the team!! Thank you for welcoming me with open arms!!
Marissa Garcia
Nov 01, 2020
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Unsafe driving! Just had one of their drivers decide to use the oncoming traffic lane to pass me while I was safely making a right hand turn! I wouldnt trust them with anything.
Robert Mazzaferro
Jan 16, 2020
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Tristar is being used to transport children in UA to special needs school.
Tristar allowed my 7 year old to enter the house and pulled away before confirming an adult was there. On a separate occasion Tristar allowed her to exit into the street without any guidance despite us having a large private parking lot that we repeatedly asked them to utilize.
Tristar pulled off without my daughter having a seat belt on. As others who are not workers have said, staff is very rude and often will offer empty promises. There is no accountability. Which makes sense after speaking to Mike Abbott, Executive
Tristar allowed my 7 year old to enter the house and pulled away before confirming an adult was there. On a separate occasion Tristar allowed her to exit into the street without any guidance despite us having a large private parking lot that we repeatedly asked them to utilize.
Tristar pulled off without my daughter having a seat belt on. As others who are not workers have said, staff is very rude and often will offer empty promises. There is no accountability. Which makes sense after speaking to Mike Abbott, Executive
Kari J.
Jul 02, 2019
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Tristar Transportation is an extremely reliable way to get the transportation I needed for my daughter. They have a ton of experience in working with the disability population and I can count on them to take care of my child as if she were one of their own.
Frederick Dent
Jun 23, 2018
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They want you to transport special needs children to and from schools, places of employment, etc. A lot of responsibilities for the drivers who are paid only $10 per hour! Seems to me the drivers have the most important job but get paid the least amount in the company. Oh boy, and the stories I was told / heard while sitting through training!
