Public Transportation - Buses, Vanpools, Special Transit, Ridesharing ...

Alternative Transportation Public Transportation

Check into buses vanpools and special transit services for older adults

The Getting Around Guide

Public Transportation In a 2006 AARP poll, said they want to remain in their home and community for as long as possible. Yet drivers age 70 and older are expected to outlive their driving years—men by 7 years and women by 10. Knowing your transportation options, and being comfortable using them, can help you remain independent in your community as you age.
Buses

To meet the needs of riders of all ages, many buses now offer passenger-friendly features such as low floors, “kneeling” functions to ease entry, audio and visual bus stop announcements, and other improvements.

Related

.
.
In addition to regular fixed routes, many communities offer local shuttles, circulators, and buses that stop whenever a rider flags them along the route. Discounted rates are often available to older people and those with disabilities.

Vanpools and Ridesharing

Vanpools and other ridesharing arrangements are not just for commuters going to and from work. Vans operated by local nonprofits or businesses may take you to shopping malls or doctor appointments. If you drive, consider giving a lift to a friend or neighbor. During rush hour, you may qualify to use a car pool or express lane and save time as well.

Special Services for Older Adults

Various government agencies and nonprofit groups focus their services on older adults. They can be a convenient and valuable one-stop source of transportation information for travelers and caregivers alike. (1-800-677-1116) can help you find a local senior center or Office on Aging to learn what programs are available. Senior-oriented housing developments often have helpful resources such as a community bulletin board or newsletter as well. It’s important to know your options in case driving is not possible, either temporarily or for a longer period. Prepare for this possibility by exploring your options now, before you need to use them.

The Getting Around Guide

Public Transportation
Researching Your Options

Use these resources to find transportation options in your community: • Your local transit agency. Call or visit its website, which may have detailed information on routes, schedules, and fares. Many transit providers at the state and local levels are listed within the website.
• Also, many transit agencies provide special services for people with qualifying disabilities. To learn about eligibility, contact your local transit provider.

Related

. . • Many states are setting up additional numbers for government services. Though not available everywhere, these numbers may help you find information about local transportation options:
»» 211 (human services)
»» 311 (government information and non-emergency services)
»» 511 (travel information)

We Need to Talk

At some point, most people will need to “retire” from driving, and it is often up to family members to raise this difficult subject. Knowing there are transportation alternatives can make the transition easier for the driver, who will likely feel a loss of independence once the option of driving is gone. To help caregivers talk about driving with a loved one, AARP produced a seminar called We Need to Talk based on information created jointly by the Hartford and the MIT AgeLab. For more information about We Need to Talk seminars, brochures and videos, go to .

The Getting Around Guide

Public Transportation
Special Transportation Options

Special transportation options, generally targeted toward people with limited mobility, are available in many areas. These services may include:
• Dial-a-ride or other transportation for people unable to use fixed-route services. Vans or mini-buses are typically used to take riders to a doctor’s office or other destinations.
• Transportation programs sponsored or operated by nonprofit or faith-based organizations. These programs may employ volunteer drivers or work in conjunction with local governments.

Related

. . • Taxis. In addition to regular taxi service, there may be voucher programs and other subsidies for those with limited mobility, as well as vehicles specifically designed for accessibility.
• Ride and car sharing programs. Companies such as let drivers rent cars without hassle and save on the high cost of owning a car. Programs such as and encourage commuters to share car travel and split costs. Both programs use the web to establish communications among their members.
What You Should Do
Do you have concerns or complaints about existing service? If so, document them and then contact your local transit agency.

If transit service is lacking or nonexistent, contact your local government, elected officials, or local Office on Aging and share your thoughts about what is needed. Write a letter to the editor of your local paper. If you aren’t satisfied with the response, take your concerns to higher elected officials. Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures

Close In the next 24 hours, you will receive an email to confirm your subscription to receive emails related to AARP volunteering. Once you confirm that subscription, you will regularly receive communications related to AARP volunteering. In the meantime, please feel free to search for ways to make a difference in your community at Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again.