Houston’s newest non-emergency medical transportation service, Tootl Transport, aims to make a difference for individuals with mobility and cognitive challenges.
In this Q&A with Ken Bardlette, co-owner of Tootl Transport Houston, we dive into how the family-run business is addressing the transportation needs of Houston’s mobility-challenged community.
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Q: What inspired your family to start a business together, and why did you choose Tootl Transport as the franchise to invest in?
A: My family and I were at a pivotal stage in our lives, where we wanted to step into something new—something that allowed us to live life to the fullest while making an impact. When we started exploring franchise opportunities, Tootl immediately stood out for three key reasons. First, the model showed incredible promise for profitability and the chance to build generational wealth. Second, we saw an opportunity to provide a much-needed service to the Houston community—a way to give back while growing something of our own. And third, we were pleasantly surprised to discover that Tootl enables us to help build small businesses in the area through partnerships. It’s not just a business; it’s a way for us to contribute to the success of others as well.
Q: What specific services does Tootl Transport offer in Houston, and how do these services cater to individuals with mobility and cognitive challenges?
A: At our core, Tootl Transport is all about getting our clients safely, reliably, and with care from Point A to Point B. We specialize in helping individuals with mobility and cognitive challenges—whether it’s a trip to a doctor’s appointment, dialysis or chemotherapy, or even long-distance family visits. We also offer services for students, ensuring they get to school or summer camps with ease. One of our favorite offerings is helping people connect with loved ones during holidays or special occasions. We know how much it means for someone to have that slice of mom’s favorite pie at the family gathering, and we’re honored to make it happen.
Q: What areas or neighborhoods in Houston will Tootl Transport be serving, and do you have plans to expand your service coverage in the future?
A: While Tootl Transport Houston primarily serves the 610 loop, we are available to provide service in and around the greater Houston area. And we’re not limited to just Houston! Tootl operates in multiple locations across the country, and our website (ridetootl.com) offers a full list of locations. We also offer long-distance rides for clients needing transport outside the city, ensuring that we’re as flexible as possible to meet the needs of our community.
Q: How does Tootl Transport ensure the safety and comfort of its passengers during rides?
A: Safety is our number one priority, and we go above and beyond to ensure our clients are transported with the utmost care. All of our vehicles undergo regular, up-to-date safety checks and are equipped with the necessary safety equipment. Our drivers are top-notch and always provide a clean, comfortable and safe ride. In fact, we often hear from clients about how impressed they are with the cleanliness of our vehicles, which we believe speaks volumes about the level of care and capability we offer. There’s nothing more important to us than making sure our passengers feel safe and cared for every step of the way.
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Q: What makes Tootl Transport different from other non-emergency medical transportation services available in the Houston area?
A: What sets Tootl apart is our intentional focus on compassionate, relationship-based service. We don’t just see our clients as customers; we aim to build genuine relationships based on trust. We’ve coined this approach as “TREK”—Trust, Respect, Empathy, and Kindness. It’s more than just getting someone from one place to another. It’s about creating an experience that leaves them feeling valued, cared for, and connected. That level of attention and focus on relationship-building is what truly distinguishes us from other providers.
Q: How can interested customers or families book a ride with Tootl Transport, and what should they expect during the booking process?
A: Booking with Tootl is a breeze! We recommend heading over to our website at ridetootl.com. From there, you can select the Houston Central location and follow our easy, intuitive steps to create a profile and request a ride. Once your ride is booked, you’ll be paired with one of our fantastic drivers, and you can rest assured knowing that you or your loved one will be transported safely, reliably, and with care. We pride ourselves on making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible for our clients!