Senior Transportation Services

6 Options for Getting Out and About

Senior Transportation Services

When the days of driving are behind you or your senior loved one, it’s easy to feel isolated and stuck in your home. Luckily, it doesn’t need to be that way. Today, there are a variety of transportation options for seniors, whether you need to go get groceries or go out and see friends.

Here are some of your choices for senior transportation services. While not all of these may be available in your location, almost all cities provide some options for helping their older members continue to be mobile.

1. Public transportation

Also known as mass transit, local or government-run buses and trains almost always offer reduced rates for seniors. Advantages to public transit include low, fixed fares, standard schedules and routes, and no need to plan ahead or make reservations.

2. Paratransit services

Paratransit operations, which may include senior organizations and both public and private agencies, provide door-to-door or curb-to-curb transportation using minibuses or vans. A cross between public transit and one-on-one programs, paratransit does require advanced reservations but still offers flexibility and low fares.

3. Volunteer driver programs

Often run by faith-based or non-profit organizations, these programs are staffed by a network of volunteers who provide transport services to the elderly. Rides are typically free or donation-based, but do often require reservations a few days in advance. A great option for seniors who need or prefer more personal, one-on-one service.

4. Door-to-door driving services

Private agencies also offer one-on-one service, which may go beyond “door-to-door” to include helping passengers into their homes and/or vehicles, or with services beyond simply driving. A more expensive but comprehensive and personal option, private transportation services are usually used by people with more severe physical or mental challenges.

5. Taxis

The tried-and-true taxi service is always an option for one-off or last minute trips. Seniors should be sure to ask the dispatcher about vehicles that are wheelchair accessible if necessary, as well as whether the taxi service accepts transportation vouchers, which can sometimes be purchased at a reduced rate from local senior organizations.

6. Ridesharing services

Companies like Uber and Lyft have recently begun offering a new type of transportation service called ridesharing. More technologically savvy seniors can use their smartphones to contact private drivers and essentially carpool to their destination.

To find out which senior transportation options are available in your area, visit the U.S. Administration on Aging’s website at www.eldercare.gov, or call them at 1-800-677-1116.


Visit SeniorAdvisor.com to find assisted living in San Diego or another city near you.

10 Comments

  1. Drew May 28, 2015 Reply

    These are all great suggestions for elderly transportation. If you live in a city with good public transportation, a bus would be perfect even for those in wheelchairs. Thanks for the advice.

  2. Martin Stromberg November 19, 2015 Reply

    With my Recommendations, Para-transit services are best for those suffering from disabilities or those feels incapacity while walking. These services enable door-to-door transportation service, which enable the patient or client to feel better with assistant care facilities.

  3. Kavi May 11, 2016 Reply

    Very nice blog….It must helpful for seniors

  4. Katherine Paul September 25, 2016 Reply

    These are excellent suggestions for the transportation of people with disabilities and elderly people.

  5. Lavisha October 6, 2016 Reply

    Transportation service is need to old people or senior citizen………I like this post also like Alena thoughts about it.

  6. Kavita Joshi January 9, 2017 Reply

    I really appreciate those people who write this blog. Good one

  7. julie March 3, 2017 Reply

    Great Blog Sharing…Its really helpful to all peoples,,,

  8. Bhawani July 12, 2017 Reply

    Transportation Service for seniors should be. I would thankful of people who think about senior citizen.

  9. Richa January 27, 2018 Reply

    Nice Blog, These are excellent suggestions for the transportation of people with disabilities and elderly people.

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*

Our expert Senior Living Advisors are here to help.

Learn about your care options, local communities, pricing and more, with our free services. Complete the form below to receive a call.

First & Last Name

Email Address

Phone Number

By clicking Submit, you agree to our Terms of Use. You also consent to receive calls and texts, which may be autodialed, from us and our customer communities. Your consent is not a condition to using our service. Please visit our Privacy Policy for information about our privacy practices.

×