The best transportation options for older adults and seniors

Transportation is one of the most important aspects of our lives, enabling us to connect with family and friends, attend medical appointments, pick up food and household items, and more. As we age, the ability to get around easily can get much more difficult. That’s why it’s important to know what options are available, enabling you or a loved to maintain as much independence and freedom as possible. 

Throughout the US, driving a personal vehicle is both the most common and (in most cases) most convenient option for getting around. And while data shows that most seniors are actually the safest drivers compared to other age groups, according to AAA, they tend to outlive their ability to drive by about seven to ten years. This means that most older adults will, at some point, need to give up their personal vehicles and take advantage of other available transportation opportunities.

Below is a list of common alternative transportation options for older adults, with a description of some of their benefits and drawbacks.

Volunteer Drivers

One of the main ways that older adults, especially those with lower incomes, get around is through volunteer driver networks. These can be informal (family and friends) or more formal, with nonprofits running a network and system with specific procedures. Finding a volunteer driving network in your area will require a bit of research through local organizations or friends, but most areas—including small towns—have some sort of network in place.

Public Transit

Public transit options may include buses, trains, shuttles, ferries, and other forms of transit. These can be great options for older adults, particularly in large cities where routes are frequent, expansive, and highly populated. Often, public transit systems will incorporate a senior discount, making this one of the more affordable options. However, it is important to note that public transit systems may pose limitations in terms of where routes go and how often they run. Also, many small towns and rural communities do not have public transit systems in place, making this option unfeasible for some.

Paratransit

Paratransit generally refers to a subset of public transit that is targeted specifically to the aging population and those with disabilities. Paratransit can also be referred to as “dial-a-ride,” and is often more flexible in routes and timing than regular public transit. Riders can usually schedule in advance or the day-of, and will typically pay the same amount as they would for public transit. However, paratransit is only mandated in municipalities where public transit systems already exist, and so it may not be accessible in smaller towns and rural areas.

Transportation Network Companies (Uber/Lyft)

TNCs such as Uber and Lyft are ridesharing companies that match passengers with drivers via mobile app. TNCs offer significant flexibility in terms of pickup/dropoff locations and timing, and are on-demand services that do not require planning ahead. However, rides are much more expensive than public transit, and may not be sustainable for all of your transportation needs. Additionally, while these services run in much of the US, those in smaller towns and rural areas may not be able to access them.

Micro-transit

While less common, motorized microtransit, such as scooters and bikes, enables seniors to do their daily activities. This can be a great option if you or a loved one lives in a more dense urban area or an area with good weather year-round. Safety can be a concern with these options, so it is important to consider the infrastructure (bike lanes, pedestrian crossings, parking areas, etc.) in your area. However, they are fairly inexpensive and environmentally friendly, and can be a great way to stay more active.

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation

This is a Medicaid benefit in which costs for transportation to regular medical appointments may be covered. It is dependent on your plan, location, and needs, but generally you can call vans, taxis, and even ridesharing vehicles. Make sure to look into your insurance eligibility to take advantage of this free opportunity. 

Delivery services 

Delivery services can eliminate the need for transportation. Presently, in many areas, groceries and household items can be delivered through apps such as Instacart, Amazon Fresh, and Walmart+. Other organizations and senior centers may also offer their own delivery services for older adults, so it may be worth looking into.

Hopefully this list was helpful to you. There are many opportunities out there, and it can be great to try out different methods until you find those that work well for you. If you or your loved one needs more location-specific assistance, you can always dial 211. This will connect you with an operator who can provide information on essential community services, including transportation.

— Rachael Alberts