Free transportation rides for seniors.
Find programs that provide free or low cost rides to the elderly, retirees and senior citizens, including for emergency needs. The transportation services from non-profits, government programs or charities will help ensure that a senior has ability to get to a doctor appointment, the grocery store, a pharmacy or other places, such as a local shopping trip. Learn more on free transportation services for seniors near you.
The free rides are often available for a number of needs. Many elderly people or retirees also need assistance in getting to a job or to visit their family and friends. There are both private and public transportation services that give a ride in the community near you. The programs are run by Area on Aging offices, Senior Centers, church volunteers, Volunteers of America, Medicaid benefit programs and other groups.
Free elderly and senior transportation services will help people live independently. As many of the nation's older citizens can no longer drive for a number of reasons, including vision, hearing or mobility losses, they can no longer afford a car, or maybe due to medical more serious conditions. Transportation programs can help these individuals, and it can even do other things like prevent premature nursing home placement and isolation. For many people it may serve as their only connection to others.
Where to get a free ride as a senior
Area Agencies on Aging often take a leading role in coordinating and advocating a comprehensive service delivery system for older persons in the town or county where they operate. In addition to offering transportation, the non-profits will try to address a number of other needs, ranging from medical to nutritional needs and more. There are different type of transportation assistance programs offered, including the following.
- Demand-response rides from Agency on Aging will usually involve sending a van or vehicle after a phone request is made from the senior or their caregiver. So this type of transportation service does not follow a fixed schedule or route. These rides usually need to be scheduled in advance, and this should normally be anywhere from 24 to 48 hours in advance. Some agency on aging centers may make exceptions, but a caller should not expect this.
- Escorted/assisted transportation programs are options for older individuals with some form of medical condition or disability. It is for individuals who need more hands on assistance than is offered from other programs. Normally what will happen is the driver will help passengers enter and exit the vehicle. They may also escort them to their residence or final destination. This type of service may be offered with any form of transportation whether demand response or paratransit. It complements these other programs when the senior needs additional support.
- Paratransit or fixed route transportation is taking advantage of public transit. This is usually offered for bus, subway, van or rail services along established routes. This can be coordinated by aging on aging, social service agencies, or government resources.
Some of these organizations provide clients with limited fixed route services on a regular schedule. This can even include trips to the grocery store, post office, or a local senior center. If it is an automobile type service, then the paratransit provider will use smaller vehicles such as small buses or minivans to provide the ride. They will also try to accommodate persons with disabilities or a senior in w wheelchair, offering curb-to-curb or door-to-door service. These tend to be offered at reduced rates or they may just request a small contribution from the individual.
- Some agencies will outsource the transportation to local taxicab companies or rideshare companies such as Uber or Lyft. This is a type of demand-response service that is commonly offered in most states and local communities. In addition, some taxi providers, Uber or Lyft have wheelchair-accessible vehicles and the can may also be an option available for paratransit users.
A key differentiator of the demand-response service is that the driver may pick up more than one passenger at different locations and also drop them off separately. So that is one reason these need to be scheduled in advance. Uber or Lyft rides, Paratransit and taxi-cabs may also operate as a demand-response service. It is estimated that about 50% of agency in aging offices provide this type of assistance.
An AAA (Agency on Aging offices) should be the first place to call for information about any low cost, regional transportation options. Staff and volunteers at the locations will do what they can to assist. Locate an Area Agency on Aging near you.
Senior centers near you often give free rides to older adults. Most of the programs do have limited funding and restrictions and are volunteer driven, so the availability may change over time. Any type of transportation provided by a center is usually restricted to picking up and returning seniors from their homes to the senior centers for participation in the activities.
Or some locations will give an elderly person a free ride to a doctor or medical appointment. They also rely heavily on volunteers, so please volunteer if you can. Call a local center for more information on hours, programs terms, and any fees that may be involved. Most senior centers give a free transportation, but some may be cheap or charge for gas only. Find a senior citizen center.
Free senior transportation vouchers are fairly rare, but they may be an option as well. This can be thought of as a form of financial assistance, and it can be provided to qualified individuals so that they can pay for transportation on their own. Some common uses of a voucher can be for bus tokens, paratransit, taxicab, public transit, gasoline or other forms of transportation.
Vouchers may be used for either public or private transportation. In addition to area agency on aging centers, other non-profits that may have a voucher for a senior citizen, including for gasoline near you, include non-profits like the Salvation Army or Catholic Charities. Locate gas vouchers near you.
 Senior rides from government social services offices are often available. This can include everything from free rides to low-income elderly people who are on Medicaid insurance to state run programs. As a number of state Human Service agencies provide their own services, and they will go by different names. Find government benefit programs in your community.
Charities and non-profits like the Salvation Army may also provide free transportation assistance using volunteers, or in some cases government funding These nonprofit and/or faith-based organizations usually rely heavily on volunteers. Senior citizens may be able to get a ride to a doctor appointment, shopping trip and for socialization purposes. Often times the driver will help people get in and out of the car, if need be. You will need to make a reservation for this type of program. More on services from non-profits.
Contact information for free Senior Transportation Programs
To find a local agency that may offer transportation in your area, dial (800) 677-1116.
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