Giving up the car keys — whether by choice or necessity — is one of the most significant practical changes in a senior's life. But not driving does not have to mean not going anywhere. There are more transportation options for seniors today than most people realize, and many of them are low cost or free.
Start with Your Local Area Agency on Aging
Before searching on your own, call your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA). These federally funded offices exist in every region of the country and maintain up-to-date lists of transportation services for seniors in your specific community.
Reach them through the Eldercare Locator at eldercare.acl.gov or by calling 1-800-677-1116. Tell them where you need to go — medical appointments, grocery store, senior center — and they will point you to what is available.
Community and Volunteer Driver Programs
Many communities have volunteer driver programs where trained volunteers give seniors rides to medical appointments and essential errands. These are often free or ask for a small suggested donation.
Volunteer driver programs are typically organized through:
- Your local Area Agency on Aging
- Faith communities (many churches and synagogues run their own programs)
- Nonprofit organizations like ITNAmerica in some areas
Availability varies by location, and rides may need to be scheduled a day or more in advance.
Paratransit — Federally Required Accessible Transit
If your city or county has a public bus or train system, federal law requires that it also offer paratransit service — door-to-door accessible transportation for people who cannot use fixed-route public transit due to a disability.
Paratransit rides are typically pre-scheduled and may cost slightly more than a regular bus fare, but they are often significantly less expensive than other options. To find out if you qualify and how to apply:
- Contact your local public transit authority
- Ask specifically about ADA paratransit eligibility
- A brief eligibility assessment is usually required
Rideshare Apps
Apps like Uber and Lyft operate in most cities and many suburban areas. If you have a smartphone and a credit or debit card, you can request a ride without making a phone call.
For seniors who are not comfortable using the apps themselves, some communities offer assisted rideshare programs where a staff member or family member can request rides on behalf of a senior. Some transit authorities have also partnered with rideshare companies for senior programs.
Medical Transportation
If your transportation need is specifically for a medical appointment, there may be additional options:
- Medicaid non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT): If you have Medicaid, you may be entitled to free transportation to and from medical appointments. Contact your state Medicaid office to find out if this benefit applies to you.
- Veteran transportation services: Veterans may be eligible for free rides to VA medical centers through the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) transportation network or other VA programs.
- Your doctor's office: Some health systems have transportation assistance programs or can connect you to local resources. It is worth asking.
Planning Ahead
Transportation access gets harder to improvise in a crisis. If you anticipate that driving will become more difficult, build your network now:
- Identify two or three people — family, neighbors, friends — who could give you a ride in a pinch
- Learn what your local transit options are before you need them urgently
- Talk to your Area Agency on Aging about what senior transportation programs exist in your area
Where to Learn More
- Eldercare Locator — eldercare.acl.gov Connects seniors to local transportation resources, including volunteer driver programs and paratransit information.
- Rides in Sight — rideinsight.org A free national ride finder specifically for seniors and people with disabilities, searchable by zip code.
- Easter Seals Project ACTION — projectaction.easterseals.com Resources and guides on accessible transportation options for older adults and people with disabilities.