Seniors need affordable transportation options
Affordable senior transportation is essential for maintaining independence and health.
Without a reliable way to get to doctor’s appointments or buy food and household supplies, seniors can’t realistically remain in their homes as they age.
Social isolation is another big problem for seniors who don’t drive. It causes poorer quality of life and contributes to earlier death.
Having access to affordable transportation keeps older adults connected with family, friends, and their community.
To keep seniors healthy and active, we’ve rounded up 6 local transportation options that help seniors get around.
6 affordable senior transportation options
1. County public transportation services for seniors
Most counties across the U.S. offer free or low-cost public transportation services designed for seniors who need door-to-door rides.
The best way to find these programs is to call your county’s Area Agency on Aging. They’ll connect you with available local programs.
The ElderCareLocator is another way to find local government transportation programs – enter zip code in the search box at the top of the page.
2. GoGoGrandparent
GoGoGrandparent is a concierge service that connects seniors with on-demand ride services like Lyft and Uber. These services can have a car at your location in minutes.
Best for: Seniors who are able to get in and out of a car without assistance
Price: Riders pay the regular price for the on-demand ride plus an additional fee for the concierge service. On-demand ride fares vary, but are generally lower than taxi rates.
How it works:
- Use any touch-tone phone to call the toll-free number and arrange a ride
- Live operators are available 24/7
- For safety, rides are monitored and drivers are screened
- Notifications about the ride are available for family members via text message
- Walkers and foldable wheelchairs are no problem
3. Lyft
Lyft is a popular on-demand ride service that can have a car at your location within minutes.
Best for: Independent seniors who are comfortable using smartphone apps and can get in and out of a car without assistance
Price: Varies, but is generally lower than taxi rates.
How it works:
- Download and set up the Lyft app on your older adult’s smartphone
- Use the app to book a ride and pay automatically by credit card when the ride is finished
Special service for seniors: Concierge service (no smartphone required) is available through Lyft partners like assisted living communities, health organizations, etc. Ask local organizations if they partner with Lyft.
Veyo is a company that partners with insurance companies and health facilities to provide non-emergency medical transportation that’s covered as an insurance benefit.
Best for: Seniors who need transportation to medical appointments and those who need a special vehicle to accommodate a wheelchair or stretcher
Price: Free, if their insurance company offers Veyo as a transportation benefit
How it works:
- Ask your older adult’s insurance company if Veyo is one of their transportation benefits – if yes, they’ll help you schedule rides
- Seniors and caregivers can’t sign up for the service or arrange rides – only a health organization partner can arrange rides
5. iTNAmerica
iTNAmerica is a national network of senior ride companies that offer door-through-door transportation.
The number of locations is limited, but it’s a great option if it’s available in your older adult’s area.
Best for: Seniors who need assistance in and out of the car and through the door to their destination
Price: Rates are affordable, but pricing varies depending on the local affiliate
How it works: Contact local offices for more information and to schedule rides
6. Additional resources
- Call local senior centers to see if they offer transportation services
Recommended for you:
- How to Hire a Driver for Seniors: 6 Tips
- A Geriatric Care Manager Helps Seniors and Families Navigate the System
- 3 Mobility Devices for Seniors That Improve Safety and Independence
By DailyCaring Editorial Team
Image: Okotoks
This article wasn’t sponsored and doesn’t contain affiliate links. For more information, see How We Make Money.
AlDora Britton
For medical purposes I need senior transportation. How do I apply for your service?
DailyCaring
We’re an online-only resource for family caregivers and don’t provide any services.
We’ve suggested 6 transportation options in the article above and have included their contact information. Hopefully you will find one in your area that meets your needs.
Your local Area Agency on Aging may also be able to connect you to organizations that can help. More info here – Area Agency on Aging: Resources for Seniors https://dailycaring.com/area-agency-on-aging-resources-for-seniors/
Donna
I recently needed round trip transportation from my apartment to the hospital for an endoscopy. What I found was that none of the options available in my area would transport me because I was put to sleep for the procedure. The hospital wouldn’t let me drive myself, nor would they let me take a taxi home after the procedure. Calls to the hospital’s social services department went unanswered.
DailyCaring
So sorry to hear that the hospital wasn’t responsive. If you haven’t already found a solution, perhaps you could try contacting your local Area Agency on Aging to see if they could connect you with an organization that could help. More info here – Area Agency on Aging: Resources for Seniors https://dailycaring.com/area-agency-on-aging-resources-for-seniors/
You could also contact local Village Networks to see if a trusted companion is a type of service they offer. More info here – Seniors Are Aging at Home with Help from a Village https://dailycaring.com/how-the-village-movement-is-helping-seniors-age-in-place/
Norma Jurado
I think that needs to be relooked at because I too have been in that position and had to come up with plad D because all the others didn’t work
Larke Curnock
I am looking for transportation for my mother and a caregiver to come to my daughter’s wedding. Who and what should I do?
DailyCaring
We suggest 6 transportation options in the article above and have included their contact information. Hopefully you will find one in your area that will work for this situation.
Your local Area Agency on Aging may also be able to connect you to organizations that can help. More info here – Area Agency on Aging: Resources for Seniors https://dailycaring.com/area-agency-on-aging-resources-for-seniors/
Sandra King
I need transportation.I 59 year old backup and lower back,legs,knees,hips I need surgery lower back
DailyCaring
We hope the organizations and resources listed above in the article will help you find transportation in your area.
Anonymous
Where do I find a list of transporters in the 60448 zip area taking insurance card payment. destination dr. office and return/ senior person/7-22-32age…..
DailyCaring
The best thing to do would be to call the organizations listed above to see if they’re able to meet your needs in your city.
Gillian Duhaney
How do I go about getting paid to look after my senior family member?
DailyCaring
Full-time caregivers may be eligible to be paid for caregiving through government programs. Get more info on them here — 3 Ways of Getting Paid as a Family Caregiver: Government Benefits Programs https://dailycaring.com/3-ways-of-getting-paid-as-a-family-caregiver-government-benefits-programs/
You may be eligible for government assistance programs that help pay for caregiving costs. More info here — Benefits Programs Help Pay for Caregiving Expenses https://dailycaring.com/financial-help-caregiving-expenses/
Your local Area Agency on Aging may also be able to connect you to other local organizations who can provide financial assistance. More info here — Local Community Resources for Seniors and Caregivers: Area Agency on Aging https://dailycaring.com/local-community-resources-for-seniors-and-caregivers-area-agency-on-aging/
Michael Cecere
Many of the links do not work.
DailyCaring
Thanks for the feedback! We found 2 links that needed updating and have made those changes.
Diane
I am 59 years old…have no family or people I know where I live…user.need help.getting rides to shop…I have problems walking too much.
Yet I do.
Very painful..
I live alone and need help..verylow income…and are very lonely…hope someone can reply…I actually by mistake.locked my phone..so can’t register too get a rideonline…only by text or phone call…hope all are staying safe.. thank you..allllll..
For your service.🌹 and bless you. 🌅. Diane. Hope some one can helpppp me,,
DailyCaring
We suggest 6 transportation options in the article above and have included their contact information. Hopefully you will find one in your area that can help.
Your local Area Agency on Aging may also be able to connect you to organizations that can help. More info here – Area Agency on Aging: Resources for Seniors https://dailycaring.com/area-agency-on-aging-resources-for-seniors/
You may also want to check to see if you’re eligible for other benefits programs that can help with expenses using the resource linked in this article – Find Financial Help for Seniors: 2,500+ Federal, State, and Private Benefits Programs https://dailycaring.com/find-financial-help-for-seniors-federal-state-and-private-benefits-programs/
Ramona A Arias
I need help to start in senior transportation. What I need to do?
DailyCaring
It’s great that you’re interested in this. We don’t provide any transportation services so you may want to contact some senior transportation companies in your area to learn more.
JAMES
Thank you sharing this article