10 Best Transportation Services for Seniors

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senior woman getting rideshare transportation — _{Image Credit: https://www.shutterstock.com/g/Gligatron}

When it comes to driving and transportation, most people wish to stay on the road as long as possible. However, as we age, various factors can impact our ability to drive. Sometimes it’s our eyesight or other health issues that prevent us from driving. At other times, inclement weather might intimidate us, or we simply don’t feel like driving and would prefer someone else to take us where we need to go. These challenges can be frustrating, yet we still need to get to our destinations. What are the top transportation options for seniors? Here’s a list to help you find the best services to suit your needs.

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1. Friends & Family Members

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Friends and family are a common source for rides for seniors. These are usually the easiest people to get a hold of and the most flexible with scheduling times to take them where they need to go.

2. Caregivers and Home Care Aids

caregiver and senior adult — _{Image Credit: Shutterstock}

When family members aren’t available, caregivers and home care aids could be an option. The cost of having a caregiver will vary in different areas, so do your research and make sure you are clear on what services they will provide.

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3. Public Transportation

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Mid-size to larger cities usually have public transportation. Some cities have several ways to get around, and others may only have one or two. Other areas may have various ways to get around like by bus, light rails, subways, ferries, etc. Public transportation costs will vary. Another perk to using public transportation is that buses typically accommodate wheelchairs and mobility scooters, whereas other ways of transportation may not.

4. Volunteer Transportation Programs

van on busy street — _{Photo by Jason Leung}

Religious organizations and nonprofits usually provide volunteer transportation programs. They gather a network of volunteers to take seniors to do things like shop, go to doctor’s appointments, and do other errands. Most of the time reservations are required, but the cost is very little. People always appreciate donations.

5. Paratransit Services

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Paratransit services are similar to public transportation, but offer more personalized transportation options. They are specially designed for seniors and people with disabilities who may have difficulty using traditional public transit.

These services provide door-to-door transportation using vans or minibusses that are equipped to accommodate wheelchairs. Seniors need to schedule their rides in advance, and the vehicles will pick them up directly from their homes. This offers more flexibility in terms of stops and destinations compared to regular bus routes.

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To be eligible for paratransit services, you’ll need to meet specific criteria, which typically align with the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Check with your local transportation authority to determine the eligibility requirements in your area.

6. Carpooling

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If you know a neighbor that you trust to drive and you both have to run the same errands, why not carpool together? Going to the grocery store, post office, or dry cleaner will be more fun with a friend and you will save gas, time, and money too.

7. Taxis and Rideshare Services

lyft rideshare on cell phone — _{Image Credit: Shutterstock}

If you live in a medium to large city, chances are you’ve considered using taxis or rideshare services for your transportation needs. While taxis can be convenient, they can also be expensive. Rideshare services like Lyft and Uber often offer a more affordable alternative. Costs can fluctuate based on demand, promotions, and surge pricing.

More About Rideshare Services:

Rideshare services typically require a smartphone app to book rides. If you’re not tech-savvy, ask a friend or family member for help.
The cost of a rideshare depends on several factors, including your location, the time of day, and the distance traveled.
Saving Tips:
- Book rides during less busy times of the day to potentially save money.
- Consider sharing a ride with someone going in the same direction.
- Check with your doctor to see if they offer Uber Health. This service may provide free rides to medical appointments.
- freebirdrides.com aims to help users save money on rideshare services. Keep an eye out for its launch this fall.

8. GoGoGrandparent

This is a service for seniors to help with things like booking a rideshare and delivering things like food, prescriptions, and groceries. They can also assist with setting up services, including furniture assembly, dog walking, and snow shoveling. If you need to schedule a ride, all you have to do is call the service and listen to the menu options.

Customers can choose from different levels of service and pay by the month or annually. Plan prices start at $14.99 and go to $500 for full-service care. See their website for details and if they operate in your area.

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9. Arrive Rides

Arrive Rides is a company that works as a middleman with rideshare companies. There is a membership fee of $10 a month plus rideshare fees. You call when you need a ride and their customer service reps send a ride to you. One perk to this service is that you don’t need to have an app on your phone. All you have to do is call the number to get a ride. On the downside, rides are only available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific time. If you live in the PST time zone, this will work great for you, but if you don’t, consider other alternatives for transportation.

10. Non-Emergency Medical Transportation

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Those who are on Medicaid may be able to get a free ride to the doctor. Check with your state about requirements for a non-emergency medical transportation ride and then call your Medicaid caseworker to help set up your first ride.

Other Ways to Find Transportation

There are several other ways to find transportation.

You can call 211 for help.
Contact the Eldercare Locator, which is a public service of the US Administration on Aging. The number is 1-800-677-1116.
You can also contact your local transportation department.

Things to Consider

There are several questions you will want to keep in mind before scheduling your transportation.

Where am I going? Consider the location, distance, destination, cost, and convenience of where you are going. A ride down the street may not cost much, but if you are going to the next town or a major city, fees can get costly.
Do I qualify for disability services? Check the eligibility requirements in your area and, if you qualify for para-transit services, use them.
Can a loved one transport you? Friends and family can sometimes be the most reliable and comfortable people to travel with, so check with them first.
What is my budget for transportation? Add a category to your budget every month for transportation. This way you will know how much you have to work with and can research the most cost-effective and realistic option.
Company/Agency Reputation – Always do some research on the agency or company you will use to get a ride. Look at both negative and positive reviews and overall ratings. This way, you can make an informed decision.

In today’s tech-driven world, seniors have more options than ever when it comes to transportation. With just a few taps on a smartphone, you can easily arrange a ride to your destination. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with available transportation options and learn how to use them. This way, you’ll be prepared when you need a ride!