Right now, 3 of 4 older Americans live in rural or suburban areas. That leaves them at the mercy of the automobile for groceries, medical care, and socialization. Older drivers have the second highest fatal crash rate – just behind teenagers. As more adults live longer, there are more drivers on the road with medical conditions that make it harder for them to stay safe on the road.
AARP has found that 90% of seniors want to stay in their homes – even if that means choosing between the danger of driving or social isolation. Many of the seniors who raised their kids in urban areas opt to retire in the countryside – for peace and the lower cost of housing. As many of us know, people often view requests from concerned family members or doctors as personal attacks on their freedom.
It’s understandable, given how essential cars are to the American psyche. AARP found that people who don’t drive visit the doctor, go shopping, eat out, and visit friends and family less frequently.
The conversation about giving up driving, which we covered in an earlier article, goes a lot smoother when there are safe alternatives to provide.
Most American cities lack any public transportation. If there is public transit, it can be difficult to navigate and busses often come so infrequently that it adds hours to the trip. Transportation for America found that there are 15.5 million seniors where public transportation options are poor or nonexistent – 53% don’t even have a sidewalk outside their home. I was shocked to discover just how many Americans make it to 60 without ever having taken a bus!
There are many organizations available to provide rides to those that need them. However, affordable options are often run at a grassroots level, so the availability is different in each town (or neighborhood!) and many organizations don’t have websites.
Driving services
Here’s a list of driving services for seniors and the disabled in the United States and Canada.
In order to use paratransit services, the person getting a ride must qualify under ADA criteria.
In order to use Medicaid services, the person getting the ride must be enrolled with Medicaid and be going to a medical appointment covered by Medicaid.
If there are no services listed here for your area, you’re not necessarily out of luck. Contact your local Area on Aging, town hall, library, social service organizations, and religious organizations to see what other programs may be available to help.
USA
Nationwide
ITN America
The Independent Transportation Network (ITN) is the only non-profit transportation system for seniors. They match seniors with volunteers for affordable rides. Seniors are not required to completely give up driving – nearly 30% of their clients still drive on occasion.
Seniors can trade in their cars for free rides and volunteers can ‘bank’ rides for future use. Low income riders can receive free rides through their scholarship fund. Nearly half of riders have an annual income of less than $25k and only 2% feel it’s too expensive.
View their service map to see if ITN provides rides in your area.
National Volunteer Transportation Center
The Beverly Foundation created a map of 1,000 supplemental transportation programs for seniors in the US and Puerto Rico and updated it in 2014. The map is currently not available online.
The Affordable Care Act
The Affordable Care Act provides transportation benefits to fund specialized transportation services for the disabled. However, few regions are opting to utilize these funding opportunities.
Alabama
2-1-1 provides a list of door-to-door transportation services in Alabama.
Alaska
Alaska 2-1-1 has an online database of service providers.
Anchorage: AnchorRIDES
AnchorRides is a shared ride service providing ADA transportation service for people with disabilities and people 60 and over. These rides are funded by various sources and each funding source has their own criteria.
Arizona
The American Public Transportation Association has a list of transit agencies by area served.
Arizona 2-1-1 has a searchable resource database. Each agency has its own specific criteria.
Phoenix: BrightStar Care
This home care company provides transportation assistance.
Arkansas
Arkansas Transit has a long list of nonprofit human service agencies serving the elderly and persons with disabilities.
Medicaid’s Non-Emergency Transportation (NET) program will provide rides to Medicaid-funded doctor appointments.
California
Los Angeles: Access
Access Services administers the LA County Coordinated Paratransit Plan.
Orange County Transportation Authority
ACCESS is OCTA’s shared-ride service for people who are unable to use the fixed-route bus service.
San Diego: Facilitating Access to Coordinated Transportation
FACT has a searchable database of door-to-door, bus, and train providers for San Diego County.
Southern California: Caltrans
Caltrans 511 provides a list of accessible and paratransit services.
Stanislaus County
The county provides a list of transportation services.
Colorado
Senior Source Colorado created a guide to mobility programs around the state in 2013.
Boulder
Via is a nonprofit providing transportation to people with mobility limitations and their families in Boulder and Denver.
Denver
The Denver Regional Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging provides a list of organizations providing disability related transportation.
Connecticut
Network of Care has compiled a comprehensive list of the many organizations providing transportation.
Delaware
DART provides paratransit services in the state of Delaware.
The Freedom Center for Independent Living has a list of agencies providing transportation services.
Florida
Safe and Mobile Seniors has a Find a Ride tool that organizes the Florida Senior Safety Resource Center database by county.
The Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged also lists resources by county.
Clearwater Beach
Florida Free Rides provides free local rides from 9am to 3am 7 days a week.
Georgia
The Georgia Care Planning Council provides a list of disability, assistive technology, and transportation services.
The Georgia Medicaid Non-Emergency Transportation Program transports patients to healthcare appointments at no cost.
Atlanta
AgeWise Connection, by the Atlanta Area Agency on Aging, provides a guide to mobility and transportation options in the region.
Hawaii
Care.com has a guide to transportation for seniors in Hawaii.
Catholic Charities Hawai’i provides door-to-door transportation services for people 60+ for medical appointments, benefit appointments, and runs group excursions for shopping and dining. They serve all people, regardless of faith or culture.
Honolulu
The Honolulu County Network of Care provides a list of services providing transportation to medical appointments.
Idaho
ValleyRide is Boise’s bus system that services Ada and Canyon Countries, and connects the major cities of Boise, Nampa and Caldwell. It offers a reduced fare to riders aged 65 and up.
ACCESS also serves Boise, and is available for disabled persons who are unable to use ValleyRide. It provides origin to destination service in Boise/Garden City Monday through Saturday and Nampa/Cadwell Monday through Friday. Reservations must be made up to 14 days in advance and no less than 24 hours in advance.
Visit the Area Agency on Aging for transportation services to medical appointments, social activities, and other places of your choosing outside of Boise.
Illinois
The Taxi Access Program (TAP) provides specialized door-to-door transportation services for eligible seniors at reduced rates. The TAP service allow/s ADA Paratransit certified seniors an opportunity to travel in taxis at reduced rates. To apply for the ADA para-transit program, please call 312.663.4357.
The Boone County Council on Aging offers door-to-door public transportation service, equipped with wheelchair lifts, too all residents of Boone County, regardless of age. This service is provided through the Chicago Transit Authority.
Visit the Illinois Department of Human Service for a comprehensive list of senior transportation services, listed by counties.
Indiana
The Central Indiana Regional Transportation Authority website lists door-to-door transportation services listed by county.
CICOA Aging and In-Home Solution’s Way2Go Transportation Department offers a number of services older adults and people with disabilities in Central Indiana may utilize to meet their transportation needs
Iowa
IowaDot’s Office of Public Transit provides a list of 35 public transit systems in Iowa, categorized by regions.
The BrightStar or Iowa – Des Moines West offers a full range of adult and senior transportation service. Call the office at 515-257-7747 for more information.
View this PDF for a list of transportation services in Johnson Country.
Kansas
MARC lists senior transportation options in Kansas City.
KDOT/Kansas Rides provides senior transportation option through the Kansas Department of Transportation.
OCCK Transportation is a countywide senior ride service in Saline County.
Finney County Transit is countywide transportation service for Finney County seniors.
Kentucky
Below is a list of transportation services adopted from Senior Services of Northern Kentucky:
New Freedom Transportation: $4 each way, available to residents age 60 or older, or disabled, in Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties. Transportation available from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Medicaid Transportation: No Charge. Available to Boone, Campbell, Carroll, Kenton, Owen, Grant, Gallatin and Pendleton county residents age 60 or older. Must call LKLP to qualify: 1-800-245-2826. Transportation available from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Title III Transportation: No Charge. Available to Boone, Campbell, Carroll, Kenton, Owen, Grant, Gallatin and Pendleton county residents age 60 or older. Must call NKADD to qualify: (859) 283-1885. Transportation available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Public Transportation: Available to any resident in Gallatin, Grant and Pendleton Counties. If traveling under 20 miles, $4 each way. Over 20 miles, $25 round trip. Transportation available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has a list of transportation providers for each county.
Louisiana
American Public Transportation Association has a directory of all Louisiana transit options in each parish.
Louisiana Transit Guide provides a guide to transit options across the state of Louisiana.
Mobility Impaired Transit System is a service through Jefferson Transit that offers transportation to those who are eligible.
Louisiana Councils on Aging has a listing of area councils on aging – these councils often include transportation information.
Maine
Maine Senior Transportation Services offer companions who can accompany you to appointments, adult day programs, community centers, church services, shopping and social events.
You can search for public transportation services based on your areas on Maine Senior Guide
Maryland
Maryland Community Services Locator has a list of all special public transportation services in the state.
View this PDF for a list of transportation options for older adults in Maryland.
Massachusetts
THE RIDE is a door-to door, shared transportation service available to those who can’t regularly use public transportation due to physical, cognitive, or mental disabilities. It is available in 60 towns and cities throughout the state, and charges a one-way fare for each registered passenger and guest, but not for a Personal Care Assistant. THE RIDE operates year-round from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m.; trips must be scheduled in advance.
The Human Service Transportation (HST) office provides information on transportation options for seniors and people with disabilities so they can access doctor’s appointments, jobs, and social services.
Michigan
MyRide2 helps seniors and adults with disabilities in Oakland, Macomb and western Wayne counties find transportation.
Homestead has a list of free and low-cost transportation resources in various cities and counties in Michigan.
Independent Transportation Network provides low-cost transportation services to its members. Check out the ITN’s unique programs only available to paying members.
Minnesota
Minnesota Board on Aging has information on how to find senior transportation in your area.
DARTS Senior Transportation is a ride service for seniors in Dakota County.
Wright County Senior Transportation is a ride service for seniors in Wright County.
Lang-Nelson Senior Transportation is a door-to-door senior transportation service based in St. Louis Park, MN.
Minneapolis/St. Paul Metro Transit lists the Twin Cities public transit providers.
Mississippi
Mississippi Transit Directory is a county-by-county directory of transit sources in Mississippi.
Coast Transit Authority is a senior transportation service that serves the Mississippi Gulf Coast area.
Jackson Senior Services has information regarding senior services in Jackson, MS.
Harrison County Senior Services has information regarding senior services in Harrison County, including senior transportation.
Missouri
OATS, Inc. is a public transportation system that is available to everyone. OATS, Inc. helps people get to work, doctor appointments, essential shopping, and other places people need to go.
Platte County Senior Transportation is a county-run senior transportation system.
Columbia Transit & Paratransit is a transportation service for the disabled in Columbia, MO.
Montana
The Rocky Mountain Development Council provides free transportation to Helena area senior citizens within Helena city (rides are to and from specific locations. Call 406-447-1680 to book a ride.
Galavan Senior and Disabled Transportation (406-587-2434) provides free service for seniors and disabled citizens serving the Bozeman area. Service is also available for Belgrade, Four Corners, Manhattan and Three Forks.
Streamline (buses) offers fare free service throughout the Bozeman area to fulfill everyone’s transportation needs. Its routes provide service to and from Bozeman, Belgrade, Four Corners, Livingston and seasonal routes for Bridger Bowl.
Nebraska
The Papillion Senior Center offers a bus service that is primarily for the use of the senior citizens and handicapped individuals. The Special Services Bus is an “on-demand” transportation service subsidized by the State of Nebraska for the elderly and handicapped residents of Papillion. Service area includes residents inside Papillion city limits and Papillion SID’s contiguous to the city limits. Call 24 Hours in Advance for Reservations at 402-680-3970
Visit Answers4Families for a listing of public transportation services in all cities of Nebraska.
For those who live in the East Side Neighborhood call 612-787-4012 to schedule a ride on a vans with lifts. Older adults and disabled community members are eligible for the service. Rides are provided to medical and dental appointments within the Senior Program Service area. Rides are also available for grocery shopping, senior dining, social activities and to Friendship Center, Eastside Neighborhood Services and The Seniors’ Place.
Nevada
The Nevada Care Connection provides a listing of community resources that offer basic transportation needs for either local or long distance travel.
Every Silver STAR route connects with regular RTC fixed-route service to provide a broad range of destinations for passengers. Riders can use transit passes for boarding and each Silver STAR vehicle can accommodate up to two wheelchairs at a time.
New Hampshire
The Medicaid Medical Transportation Program assists individuals enrolled in Medicaid to have access to necessary medical services. Medicaid Client Services -Transportation Unit, (603) 271-3770 or (800) 852-3345, extension 3770 (in state only).
Call ServiceLink at (866) 634-9412 for information about how to locate transportation providers. ServiceLink also has information about locally supported transportation resources that may be offered by the faith community or volunteer programs.
The BEAS Transportation Services funds transportation programs for seniors and disabled adults in some areas of the State. Call ServiceLink toll-free at (866) 634-9412 to locate these programs.
NH Rideshare is a free commuter matching service provided by the NH Department of Transportation and dedicated to finding an alternative way for commuters to travel to and from work. Contact NH Rideshare at (800) 462-8707.
The NH Transit Association provides information, education and support to New Hampshire transportation providers and to improve mobility for New Hampshire citizens.
New Jersey
The NJ Transit has a division of community paratransit services that provides more flexible transportation options. Community Paratransit providers use smaller lift equipped vans and minibuses and may operate route deviation, curb to curb, door to door, or on an advance reservation basis. Services may also feed into existing mass transit bus stops, train or light rail stations.
Any one 65+ years of age or older or disabled may ride the PATCO Speedline during specified times for half fare. Cannot be used during the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. or between the hours of 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the Transportation Center at Broadway and Mickle Boulevard, Camden.
SEN-HAN Transit provides paratransit services to senior citizens 60+ and disabled residents of Camden County for a variety of purposes including employment, non-emergency medical, personal business, shopping, veterans and volunteer.
New Mexico
The City of Albuquerque’s Transportation Division has 15-passenger vans, mini vans and wheel chair accessible vans. Call (505) 764-6464 to arrange transportation. Transportation is provided Monday through Friday with the earliest appointment at 7:30 a.m. and the last return pickup at approximately 2:30 p.m. Clients must call when they are done with their appointments for a pick up.
Refer to this PDF f0r a list of county by county transportation services.
New York
MTA New York Transit operates Access-A-Ride, the City’s paratransit system. Access-A-Ride provides transportation for people with disabilities who are unable to use public bus or subway service for some or all of their trip. It offers shared ride, door-to-door service. Service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays.
If you are 65 years or older or have a disability, you are eligible to apply for a Reduced Fare MetroCard. With a Reduced Fare MetroCard you pay half the current fare on New York City Transit subways and local buses.
North Carolina
The North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services provides transportation to and/or from community resources such as medical appointments and nutrition sites or other designated areas for older adults needing access to services and activities necessary for daily living.
Davidson County Senior Services is a senior transportation system serving Davidson County.
TMS Senior Transport is a transportation option for North Carolina seniors.
Town of Cary is a senior transportation service for Cary residents.
North Dakota
Valley Senior Services offers transportation in the Fargo / Moorhead / West Fargo / Dilworth area for individuals age 60 and older. In Cass, Traill, Steele, Richland, Ransom, Sargent and rural Grand Forks counties, rides are provided to the general public. Trips are regularly scheduled and can be arranged to and within area communities. County busses are equipped with wheelchair lifts for those needing special assistance.
The American Public Transportation Agency list all transit agencies and local links, by county and city.
Ohio
The Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (also available for Greater Cleveland Regional and Central Ohio) Metro System transports residents from Hamilton, Clermont, Butler, and Warren counties into Cincinnati. Seniors are eligible for the Metro Fare Deal program which enables them to commute for half the price. Submit an application and $1 to the Fare Deal office to receive your Fare Deal ID today.
At ITNGreaterCincinnati volunteers drive members of this transportation network to destinations of their choosing. You acquire the service through a pre-paid Personal Transportation account. Drivers will also assist with carrying packages, walking up steps, and opening doors.
Oklahoma
See this PDF for a list of all specialized transportation programs in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma Transit Links has a listing of transportation resources, many of which pertain to senior citizens.
Oregon
Portland’s RideConnection is a non-profit senior shuttle service that assists seniors as they get to and from doctor’s appointments, senior luncheons, weekly errands, and recreational/social outings.
TriMet provides senior citizens 65+ years of age with public transportation for $1 a ride
Pennsylvania
Delaware County:
Community Transit provides transportation through their Persons with Disabilities (PwD) program.
Pittsburgh: AgeWell Rides
The Jewish Family & Children’s Services is working with Repair the World: Pittsburgh to provide free transportation services.
Rhode Island
The Rhode Island Public Transportation Authority (RIPTA) offers low-income persons with a disability, or age 65 and older, the opportunity to ride free of charge on a RIPTA bus with a RIPTA No Fare Bus Pass. All other persons age 65 and older, or persons with a disability, pay full fare from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. and from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays, and pay half-price at all other times, with the presentation of a RIPTA Senior/Disabled Pass, or a Medicare ID card.
LogistiCare provides transportation services to those 60 and older, and adults with disabilities under 60 who meet certain criteria. Transportation is generally available weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for medical appointments and tests, adult day care, kidney dialysis, cancer treatments, and senior center/community meal site Cafes. There is a $2 one-way fee per ride
South Carolina
SENIOR Solutions offers a pick-up and delivery service throughout Anderson and Oconee Counties – with trips available throughout other upstate areas as well.
iTN Charleston Trident provides rides to any destination within its service area for any purpose including medical or hair appointments, pharmacy, shopping, etc. You are eligible to use this service if you are age 60 or older, or visually impaired 21 or over.
South Dakota
The Rural Office of Community Service, Inc. has wheelchair accessible vans that provide transportation to senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
The American Public Transportation Agency list all transit agencies and local links, by county and city.
Tennessee
iTN Memphis provides transportation to seniors and the visually impaired who live within 15 mile radius of their Memphis office.
The Office on Aging of Knoxville-Knox County’s Volunteer Assisted Transportation provides rides for seniors and persons with disabilities who need assistance to travel safely, by providing rides using agency-owned hybrid sedans and wheelchair-accessible minivans.
Texas
Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has information about arranging for transportation to medical appointments and other related services.
Houston / Beaumont: 1-855-687-4786.
Dallas: 1-855-687-3255.
Everyone else can call 1-877-633-8747 (1-877-MED-TRIP).
Austin Parks and Recreation Department’s Senior Support Services offers several services for older adults in the greater Austin area. By calling 512-974-1464, we can get you out and about with our services. Our goal is to provide a special system of transportation to enhance quality of life and promote independence for persons 60 years of age or older.
Utah
The Rides for Wellness Program provides rides for older adults, 60 years of age or older, with no other means of transportation to vital medical appointments such as dialysis, chemotherapy, physical therapy and prescription pick ups.
The Area Agency on Aging offers transportation to seniors to various medical clinics, treatment facilities and pharmacies
Vermont
The Champlain Valley Agency on Aging provides rides, via vans, taxis or volunteer drivers, to the senior citizens of Chittenden, Addison, Franklin and Grand Isle Countries. Rides should be requested 24 to 48 hours in advance.
This PDF lists transportation options for seniors in Rutland County.
NEK Council on Aging partners with Rural Community Transportation (RCT), Inc. to coordinate travel for eligible residents to their medical appointments and to access such nutrition needs as grocery shopping or senior-community dining opportunities. To learn more about these options and to schedule a ride with three days’ notice, call 1-800-642-5119.
Connecticut River Transit (The Current) offers Dial-A-Ride.
The MOOVER has services for the elderly and disabled.
GoVermont offers rideshare and bus information.
Virginia
Virginia Easy Access provides information on rides funded by Medicaid, paratransit, vehicle modifications, and driving training for seniors.
RADAR has provided rural public transit services and specialized transit primarily in the Greater Roanoke Valley for over 40 years. RADAR services are aimed at physically, mentally disabled, or transportation disadvantaged individuals.
Washington
Hyde Shuttles transport seniors and people with disabilities to hot meal programs, medical appointments, senior centers, grocery stores, and other local destinations. There is no charge for rides, but donations are welcome. Call (206) 727-6262, (425) 333-4009 (for Snoqualmie Valley Only) or 1-877-415-3632 for information on sites and days of service.
Dial-A-Ride Transportation (DART) is designed for people whose access is limited, or whose disability or health condition prevents them from using the regular fixed-route bus service.
Pay Your Pal provides a safe and economical way to receive transportation services for people with disabilities. Riders eligible for this program live in rural Snohomish County or areas not served by public transit, have a disability, and need transportation to employment, education, or medical care. To participate in the Pay Your Pal program call 425.265.2226.
West Virginia
Berkeley Senior Services offers senior transportation for residents of Berkeley County.
Kanawha Valley Senior Services provides senior transportation for medical appointments and more.
WV Senior Care has a search tool that helps you find senior transportation options.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin Department of Transportation Specialized Services has a listing of various special service transit options, including senior-specific alternatives.
Senior Express is a Wisconsin ride service that covers a wide range of services.
Crawford County Senior Traveler is a ride service in Crawford County that brings seniors to necessary destinations.
Wyoming
The Wyoming Transportation Providers has various resources for senior transportation services.
Rendezvous Pointe Senior Center is located in Pinedale and assists seniors who can no longer drive. Donations are suggested for most trips and many seniors utilize this service for medical appointments, shopping, activities, and more. To make reservations call 307-367-2881.
Wyoming Public Transportation Association provides public transportation for those who cannot get around on their own. This website provides transportation information on services across the state. For more information call 307-679-3220.
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