Community
Doctor’s appointments, errands and social activities. These are just a few reasons why an older person living independently needs transportation options if they can’t drive themselves.
For many older Americans, staying active is important to their health and lifestyle and leaving the house can be more of a necessity than a luxury. But if they’re either unable or unwilling to drive on their own, and a friend or family member can’t help, there are services available to meet their transportation needs. It just takes a bit more planning. Here are some options.
Taxis
Taxis are a good, versatile option that can be easier to get in larger cities. Costs for a taxi will vary depending on the distance to the destination and can be ordered for a specific time or a person can catch one on the street.
Private car services
In many places, private car services can be reserved, but this can be an expensive option and availability varies.
Senior transportation
Paratransit is a form of public transportation geared toward older Americans and others with limited mobility. Typically available either via a bus or a taxi, paratransit follows the same routes as local public transit but can pick passengers up at their own homes.
To use this method of public transportation, a person must first qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The exact qualifications vary in different areas, but ultimately the senior must show how their mobility issues prohibit them from using regular public transit.
Also check with local agencies on aging for other transportation options for older Americans. Start with the Eldercare Locator to search by city, state or zip code.
Independent Transportation Network America uses paid and volunteer drivers to offer transportation around the clock for a small fee and a small annual membership fee.
Public transportation
Whether it’s a bus, subway or train, public transportation can be a simple and cost-effective transportation solution, depending on where you live. Most single rides cost around $2, and buses are wheelchair-accessible with priority seating.
But there are potential drawbacks to using public transportation. Depending on how far someone lives from the nearest bus or train stop — or how close their destination is to a stop — getting to the bus stop could represent a challenge, especially in inclement weather. The fixed route schedule could also present challenges if a rider needs to be somewhere at a specific time.
Ride shares
Uber and Lyft are good options for quick trips for solo or group rides because they’re widely available, flexible and generally affordable. Plus, they’re easy to order with a simple app on a smart phone.
Mom's Meals® can help
Grocery shopping is one of the main reasons older Americans need transportation. With nutritious ready-to-heat-and-eat meals conveniently delivered direct to homes, we take the hassle out of mealtime. Choose every meal, every delivery from our nine condition-specific menus that are nutritionally tailored to support common health conditions including heart disease, chronic kidney disease and diabetes.
Each delicious meal is designed by registered dietitians and professional chefs, and created in USDA- and FDA-inspected facilities — providing the highest level of compliance with federal regulations governing food production.
