AutoMaatje volunteers help the less mobile attend appointments and reduce loneliness in the Netherlands | NRC Handelsblad (NL) | Marijke is slecht ter been maar kan dankzij de vrijwilligers van AutoMaatje toch naar haar afspraken. En: ‘Het haalt een stukje eenzaamheid weg’ | Marijke Rodrigues-Niessen | Ed Ruhwandl | Amstelveen | ANWB | Annelies Tichelaar | 79 | 62 | 146 | 2015 | 38 | 2 | 19.8.2026, 14:30

For 79-year-old Marijke Rodrigues-Niessen, a trip to the hairdresser or pedicure is more than just an appointment; it's a vital social connection facilitated by AutoMaatje. The 79-year-old, who struggles with mobility and uses a walker, relies on the volunteer service to navigate her essential errands in Amstelveen.

AutoMaatje, an initiative of the Dutch motoring organization ANWB, connects less mobile individuals with volunteer drivers. The program aims to keep people with mobility issues engaged in society, offering not just transportation but also a crucial link to social interaction and independence. ANWB spokesperson Annelies Tichelaar emphasizes that the initiative is driven by the organization's social mission, not profit.

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It takes away a piece of loneliness. If I'm sad one evening, I think: tomorrow I'll ride with AutoMaatje. I really enjoy getting to know the drivers and hearing about their children.

Rodrigues finds the service invaluable, not only for the practical transport but also for the human connection. "It takes away a piece of loneliness," she shares. "I really enjoy getting to know the drivers and hearing about their children." The service costs passengers 38 cents per kilometer to cover expenses, a significantly lower rate than taxis. This affordability, combined with the companionship offered by the volunteer drivers, makes AutoMaatje a lifeline for many, including Rodrigues, who has been using the service for over two years.

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For many participants, a ride means not only transport from A to B, but also the preservation of social contacts and independence.