What transportation options are available for seniors?
Depending upon where you are going and your physical needs transportation options are widely varied from area to area including buses, vans, taxis and in some instances volunteer drivers from various support organizations
Let’s look at the most common types of transportation options available
- Volunteer Drivers Programs– These primarily consist of local faith-based and nonprofit organizations. These organizations frequently have a network of volunteers who provide flexible transportation options for shopping, doctor’s appointments, recreation, and other activities. One way, roundtrip, and multiple destination trips are generally available. Reservations are usually required and most programs are free or on a donation basis
- Paratransit Service– Public transit systems typically provide door to door or curb to curb transportation for residents living in its service area. Paratransit service typically requires users to make advance reservations but often offer a degree of felxibility and personalization in scheduling pickups and dropoffs. Paratransit and van services offer reduced fares for senior citizens and persons with disabilities
- Door thru Door escort services-some Agencies provide drivers who offer personal and hands on on assistance by helping passengers through the doors of their residences and destinations as needed and necessary. This type of service typically includes several levels of assistance from opening doors and providing verbal guidance to physical support
- Taxi Service– This includes Taxis, Uber, Lyft and other for pay and ridesharing services. Riders activate this service by calling a number or using a mobile app to schedule pickup and dropoff. These trips can be scheduled in advance or on the spot. Some of these vehicles are wheelchair accessible and meet ADA standards. Fares are typically charged on a per mile basis on top of additional charges for the trip. Some cities have transportation voucher programs that can be used with these services
Jason is the CEO of Senior Cab- a startup dedicated to solving the Senior Transportation problem. He writes about Senior Living and the challenges that face Seniors living at home or in Assisted Living Facilities. He previously held roles in Sales and Marketing at Microsoft. Follow him on Linkedin
December 12, 2019
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