Portland Express LLC: A Taxi Service in Portland

Lisa Balderson is the proud owner and operator of Portland Express LLC, a service providing ride and errand service to Portland and neighboring communities.

“I came up with the idea of a non-emergency medical transportation service in Portland when I realized that a lot of people need rides, especially the elderly,” said Lisa. “Many people don’t have regular transportation, and this puts a lot of stress on their family members and friends to provide rides for them. My service solves this problem and it makes everyone’s life a little easier.”

 The service is a certified vendor of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Being a vendor allows Lisa to help residents who receive Medicaid to get to their doctor’s appointments. Currently the Portland Express is working with or billing directly the Ionia County DHS, the Montcalm County DHS, SKLD of Ionia, and the PACE Senior Community of Lansing, as well as the Sparrow Navigational Hub.

Portland Express LLC began operation in December 2022. Daily transportation has not stopped since.

“I’m very grateful to the Portland community for their continuous support of my new adventure,” said Lisa. “Slowly but steadily the word is getting out about us and I am thankful that I am able to provide this service and to help people in this way.”

Lisa’s service is not limited to Portland and anyone may use the service. She is available to transport people to medical appointments, to work/school, for grocery shopping, and to social outings. She also provides airport and wedding transportation.

“Our main focus is to serve people throughout Ionia County, as well as in neighboring communities,” she said. “I am able to take people anywhere in Michigan that they need to go. This is a real life-saver for many people, and again, I feel grateful that I am able to do this for them.”

Lisa utilizes three drivers in her business along with two vans, one of which is wheelchair accessible and she is hoping to expand her fleet by adding a third van in 2024. She sometimes rents vehicles when demand for her service is high.

“Our regular hours are 6 am to 6 pm, with evenings and weekends available for service with advance notice, but we often take calls and provide rides with no notice if we are able to do so.”

Lisa obtains tremendous personal satisfaction by providing this service to people.

“It always makes for a good day to me when I am able to help other people and to put a smile on their face. People appreciate what we do and that in itself makes this a worthwhile venture to me.”

Portland Express LLC

Telephone: (517) 930-1651

Call or text 6 am – 6 pm