Transportation Options For Older Adults And People With .

TRANSPORTATION OPTIONSfor Older Adults and People with Disabilities

Choices forMobilityIndependenceWhile driving in one’s personal vehicle isundoubtedly convenient, the best way toensure continued transportation as we ageis to become comfortable using a variety ofoptions. People often look to family and friendsto assist with transportation, but this may notalways be possible. Community transportationcan help you stay connected to essentialservices and other activities.Access to reliable transportationis a key to health and quality of life.

This brochure introduces you to community transportation services and provides informationto consider when making transportation decisions. It is intended to help you navigatetransportation in your community. It is important to note that not all types of transportation areavailable in every community.Local experts, such as mobility managers and information and referral specialists, can assistyou in learning about the transportation options in your community. They are located in thepublic transit agency or helpful local organizations such as the Area Agency on Aging (AAA),Center for Independent Living (CIL), Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) or IndianTribal Organization.Photo credit: The Center for Volunteer Caregiving, Cary, NC (man entering car); Ryan Byers, Pocatello, ID (man entering bus)Contact the Eldercare Locatorat (800) 677-1116or eldercare.acl.govto connect to resourcesin your area.The Eldercare Locator’sCall Center operatesMonday–Friday from9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET.

Transportation Options. The transportation options available in your community are likely to include someof the services listed below. Keep in mind that names of these services may vary depending on location.k Demand response. Sometimes calledDial-a-Ride, demand response transportsmultiple passengers who are picked upfrom different entry points and dropped offat separate destinations. This service oftenrequires reservations to be made at least24–48 hours in advance.k Medicaid Non-Emergency MedicalTransportation (NEMT) is available topersons with Medicaid to travel to andfrom medical services. Eligibility criteriaand types of destinations vary from stateto state.k Public transit/fixed routetransportation. Public transit agenciesprovide fixed route service by bus andrail along established routes with setschedules and no reservations required.Limited fixed route services may beavailable through other communityagencies, such as trips to and from aCenter for Independent Living or asenior center.k Paratransit must be offered by publictransit agencies to individuals who arenot able to use fixed route service.This is a requirement of theAmericans with DisabilitiesAct (ADA). Paratransit isa complement to publictransit, so must operatewithin ¾ of a mile of thefixed route and is availableduring the same hoursas the fixed route service.Paratransit is a door-to-doorservice. A personal care attendantcan travel with the passenger at no cost.To qualify for paratransit, riders needto meet specific eligibility requirementsestablished under ADA.k Shared Ride Services (also knownas Transportation Network Companiesor TNCs) include Uber and Lyft andconnect private pay passengers withdrivers who provide transportation intheir own vehicles. These services donot typically offer wheelchair accessiblevehicles or rider assistance. Passengersconnect with drivers via websitesor mobile apps on a smartphoneand also pay for the servicesthrough a personal accounton their phone. A growingnumber of communities offeraccess to shared ride servicesto older adults and peoplewith disabilities through ascheduling phone line whichmay be operated by a nonprofitorganization.k Taxi Services. Taxis are licensedvehicles that offer on-demand servicesto passengers. Trips usually can bescheduled in advance or on thespot, and fares are chargedper mile or per minute.Many communities requiretaxi companies to haveaccessible vehicles in theirfleets. Some communityagencies offer taxi vouchersto older adults and peoplewith disabilities who meet certaineligibility criteria.k Transportation Voucher Programs.Voucher programs provide fare assistanceor free rides to low-incomeolder adults and peoplewith disabilities whomeet the program’seligibility criteria.Eligible ridersusually receivevouchers forspecific types oftransportation.Voucher programsmay offer ridesonly to certaindestinations, such asmedical appointments.k Travel Training. Public transitagencies and local aging and disabilityorganizations provide free instructionto help new riders learn to travel safelyon public transit. Travel training may beprovided by professionals or peers whoare experienced users of public transit.The training generally includes classroominstruction plus a group trip on transit.k Volunteer Transportation Programsmay be offered by local nonprofit andfaith-based organizations. Driversprovide rides in their own cars or agencyowned vehicles for passengers to reachmedical appointments or other importantdestinations. Rides are generally prearranged. Volunteer transportationprograms may also offer doorto-door or door-throughdoor assistance. Someprograms require ridersto pay a small feewhile others offer freerides.Key Considerations. Safe, reliable transportation is critical. When discussing your needs, consider the following:Service Area and Trip Type: Many transportation options have aEligibility: Some programs require riders to meet age, disability ordefined service area and set hours and days of the week when rides areavailable. A transportation service may also limit services by type of trip,such as rides to medical appointments.income criteria.Information you will need to provide: Your destination and when you need to travelAsk: What is the service area? What types of trips can be provided?Ask the provider: What are the requirements to qualify for the service?Scheduling: Some services require advance reservations while othersCost: The fees for transportation services will vary and may includemake same-day reservations. Ride requests may be prioritized byurgency or type of trip.a reduced rate or no-cost service for older adults and people withdisabilities.Information you will need to provide: When you need to travel Whether you need one round-trip ride, or rides to multiple appointmentsInformation you will need to provide: Your income and the amount you can afford to pay for the tripAsk the provider: How much advanced notice is required? Are rides provided in the evenings, onweekends or on holidays? Will I need to wait to be picked up? If so,about how long? How do I let the driver know that I amready to be picked up for my ride home? What is the cancellation policy?Half fare is available to older adults,people with disabilities and Medicarecardholders who use public transit/fixed routeduring off-peak hours.A mobility manager (sometimes called a travelPhoto credit: left to right: Whistlestop Carepool, San Rafael, CA; Tri-County Action Program, Waite Park, MN; The Center for Volunteer Caregiving, Cary, NCInformation you may need to provide: Age Household income Disability or mobility limitations Veteran statuscounselor or another name) offers information about transportation options andalternatives to driving. The overall goal of a mobility manager is to help consumerschoose the best transportation option(s) to meet their individual needs.Photo credit: Public Transportation Corporation, Indianapolis, INAsk the provider: What is the cost for the service? Will insurance pay for rides provided by the service? Is there a membership fee that must be paid before scheduling rides?Special Accommodations: Consider any needs you may have thatmust be accommodated when traveling.Information you will need to provide: Do you need an accessible vehicle that can accommodate a wheelchair, scooter orother mobility device? Do you need assistance getting in and out of the vehicle or walking to the door?Ask the provider: Are accessible vehicles available? Is hands-on assistance available to help you travel? Is an aide or assistant available to stay with you/your family member during appointments? Can a personal care attendant or family member ride with you?The amount of passenger assistance available from different transportationservices varies. In curb-to-curb, passengers are picked up at the curb or driveway;door-to-door passengers are assisted to enter and exit the vehicle and may be helpedto the door; and door-through-door passengers are helped from the vehicle throughthe door of their residence or destination.