Alternate Transportation

Depending on the particular community in which your folks live there will almost certainly be some form of transit available. Again it is urged that all options be explored to provide the greatest flexibility in transportation planning.

• Fixed Route - is typically a public transit service operating on specific routes at specific times. There is usually a fare involved either at the time of the ride or prepaid (i.e. monthly passes) and there is almost always a senior discount fare available.
• Ride Sharing - is often a program wherein a scheduled ride is provided by a driver (sometimes a volunteer) for seniors needing transportation to specific locations such as shopping, doctors, etc. Sometimes this programs are operated by local senior centers or the community transit agency.
• Dial-A-Ride - is a system that provides direct point to point scheduled transit. This is not always available in every community although it is a highly individualized form of transit. Check with the local senior and social service agencies as well as the local transit agency.
• Other Options - Sometimes local civic and religious organizations provide vehicles and volunteer drivers to seniors. Commercial properties such as medical centers and shopping malls often have free or small fee transit available to customers. Some areas have commercial transportation that provide "taxi/limousine" like services available to seniors.
• Walking - under the right circumstances can be a healthy and beneficial means of mobility. Safety and crime are two important considerations for seniors who walk. Everyone who is able should be encouraged to walk. It is a means of transit often overlooked which offers fresh views on the world and its environmentally friendly. For more information on walking contact the Pedestrian Federation of America - 1 202 463-6624.
• Bicycling - depending on abilities and health of the individual and the traffic/safety conditions of the routes this can be an excellent mode of transit.
• Electric carts - are a safe and common vehicular mode of transit in senior communities. These vehicles are used strictly for very short trips very near to home. In senior communities virtually all necessities are near the home.

1.Transportation Intro
2.Changes in Modes of Mobility
3.Mobility Options
4.Alternate Transportation