Transportation is a critical need for older adults, especially those who can no longer drive safely. Lack of reliable transportation leads to missed medical appointments, social isolation, poor nutrition, and decreased quality of life.
40 steps across 8 sections
1. Assess Transportation Needs
- Determine the types of trips needed: medical appointments, grocery shopping, social activities, religious services
- Evaluate frequency: daily, weekly, occasional
- Consider mobility requirements: can the person use standard vehicles, or do they need wheelchair-accessible transport?
- Note any cognitive limitations that affect independent transit use
- Identify whether door-to-door or door-through-door service is needed
2. Explore Public Transit Options
- Many cities offer free or reduced-fare public transit for seniors (typically 65+)
- Contact your local transit authority about senior discount cards/passes
- Check route accessibility — most modern buses and trains are ADA-compliant
- Some transit systems offer travel training programs to help seniors learn routes
- Fixed-route transit works best for those who are mobile and comfortable navigating stops
3. Arrange Paratransit Services
- Paratransit is door-to-door ADA-mandated service for those who cannot use fixed-route transit
- Available in every community with public transit (required by the ADA)
- Must apply and qualify (certification process through local transit authority)
- Rides must be scheduled in advance (usually 1-3 days)
- Costs typically $2-5 per trip (similar to regular transit fare)
- Wheelchair accessible vehicles available
4. Set Up Ride-Sharing Services
- Uber and Lyft Available via smartphone app; family members can order rides remotely
- GoGo (formerly GoGoGrandparent) Designed for seniors; request rides by phone without an app (15-minute or less arrival)
- SilverRide Specialized senior rideshare with door-through-door assistance; drivers trained in elderly care
- Many ride-sharing services accept Medicaid transportation benefits in some states
5. Access Medical Transportation
- Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) Free through Medicaid for healthcare-related trips
- Contact your Medicaid plan or state Medicaid office to arrange
- Medicare Advantage plans may include transportation benefits (check your plan)
- Veterans can access VA transportation services through the Veterans Transportation Service
- Hospital and dialysis center shuttle services are often available
6. Find Volunteer and Community Programs
- Contact your local Area Agency on Aging (1-800-677-1116)
- Call 211 (United Way) for local transportation resources
- Many faith communities and nonprofits operate free or low-cost ride programs
- Senior centers often provide transportation to their programs and local errands
- ITNAmerica (Independent Transportation Network) offers rides in exchange for volunteer time or prepaid credits
7. Consider Private Transportation Services
- Private medical transport companies offer scheduled and on-demand rides
- Home care agencies may include transportation in their service packages
- Private drivers (hired individually) for regular schedules
- Some taxi companies offer senior accounts with discounted rates
- Costs range from $15-60 per trip depending on distance and service level
8. Plan for the Future
- Have a conversation about driving cessation before it becomes urgent
- Explore driving assessment programs (occupational therapists, AAA, CarFit)
- Consider vehicle modifications (hand controls, pedal extenders) for those who can still drive with adaptations
- Budget for transportation as a regular expense in retirement planning
- Identify backup options for different scenarios (emergencies, bad weather, holidays)
Common Mistakes
- Not exploring all options
- Waiting until a crisis (accident, license revocation) to plan
- Relying on a single option
- Not applying for paratransit
- Ignoring Medicaid transportation benefits
Pro Tips
- Create a transportation resource card with phone numbers for all options and ...
- Many senior ride programs fill up quickly — book medical transportation 3-5 d...
- Uber Health and Lyft Healthcare partner with medical providers to arrange rid...
- Ask your doctor's office if they coordinate transportation for appointments
- Check if your state offers free or reduced driver's license renewal fees for ...