Best Senior Transportation Services

Ride-sharing apps like Lyft have gained massive popularity, but it quickly became apparent that they are tailored towards tech-savvy young adults who always have a smartphone on hand. Many older individuals who can significantly benefit from using a ride-sharing service do not feel comfortable using an app or would rather speak to someone to make sure that they are going where they need to go. Great Call, a cell phone provider that carries cell phones specifically designed for older people, saw this need and partnered with Lyft to make the process as easy and trouble-free as possible. 

Great Call phones are easy to use, with features many older adults may need, such as increased volume, limited distractions, and large buttons. To call a ride, the user simply presses "0" and tells the operator where they need to go. The operator then lets them know what the fare will be and can book the ride for them through Lyft. When the user is ready to leave their location, they simply call back and request a ride home. 

Lyft determines the cost, and fares vary based on location, time of day, and how far the client is going. There is no additional cost for using this service, and Great Call makes it convenient and safe by adding the fare to your monthly cell phone bill, so there is no need to carry cash or worry about giving out credit card numbers. It is best for those with physical conditions or those recovering from surgery who are unable to drive. If you or your loved one has a Great Call phone and lives in an area where Lyft is available, then this service is one to check out.

The Independent Transportation Network America (iTNAmerica/iTN) provides rides for individuals age 60 or older and those who are visually impaired. It is a non-profit organization and has affiliates across more than 10 states, including California, Delaware, and Tennessee.

It also has trusted transportation partners all over the country. Drivers are available around the clock with no limitations to the purpose of the ride. Drivers provide door-to-door service and can assist passengers with getting in and out of the vehicle, as well as carrying bags or groceries. 

iTN charges an annual membership fee of approximately $50 to $60 for a single rider or $60 to $80 for a family. Riders pay for each ride but do not have to worry about carrying cash, as rides are deducted from their account. The cost is approximately half of that of a taxi, and users can save money by booking in advance or by sharing rides. Unlike other services, you can use iTN for any kind of ride, as it is not limited to medical appointments. 

All iTN rides are in private vehicles, and drivers are trained to work with individuals with certain conditions. Drivers are either paid drivers or volunteers, and each client is matched with people in their area. Overall, if iTN is available in your area, it is an excellent choice for daily transportation when you can no longer drive yourself.

Each community offers its own public transportation and often has specialty services, called paratransit, for individuals over 65 or for those with certain health conditions. For more information about your community's services, contact your local Agency on Aging office. Paratransit services are required to meet ADA requirements and provide door-to-door transportation for adults with certain conditions at a low cost. There are often eligibility requirements, such as using a walker or wheelchair or presence of a mental or physical condition. 

The cost of paratransit varies for each community but is often less expensive than private transportation companies. The expense could potentially be covered by insurance depending on your Medicare part B coverage or if you are on Medicaid. Unlike most private transportation services, paratransit services often require riders to book their ride at least 24 hours in advance, which means these services are not suitable for last-minute or emergency appointments.

There is usually a 30-minute pick-up window, and users may have to wait after their appointment for a ride back home. Paratransit is an excellent option for those who don’t mind waiting and need a low-cost solution for transportation to doctors’ appointments or community outings.

GoGoGrandparent is an easy way to get around without driving. GoGoGrandparent allows you to call and request a ride any time, with wait times for pick-up an average of 15 minutes or less. There is no need for a smartphone or app; you just call GoGoGrandparent directly, and it will take care of the rest.

Rides are provided by Uber and Lyft drivers, and GoGoGrandparent ensures the appropriate vehicle is ordered to accommodate each individual's mobility needs and medical equipment. Indiviudals are required to transfer themselves into the car, as cars are not wheelchair accessible. GoGoGrandparent keeps all your preferences on file, and drivers are pre-screened to ensure they are a good fit. 

The cost of GoGoGrandparent is a combination of a monthly subscription fee and roughly a $0.27 per minute fee. You can choose from many different plans, starting at around $10 per month all the way up to around $500. The more expensive plans include meal, pharmacy, and grocery services, as well as medical appointments; depending on each individual's abilities and needs, these may be unnecessary. The roughly $10 per month plan only includes transportation services to medical appointments.

GoGoGrandparent is a great option for older individuals needing assistance in booking transportation. The company does all the planning and booking, making it an easy and cost-effective solution for those who can no longer drive.

Uber, the company that has become synonymous with ride-sharing apps, will always be a fan favorite. Originally used by young adults who want to avoid driving impaired, it provides quick and easy service to most areas around the country. Uber drivers are available 24 hours a day.

Need to get to a last-minute appointment or do groceries? Uber rides can be requested on-demand through the app, website, or through a third-party service like GoGoGrandparent. You can also request UberAssist, which sends drivers who provide additional assistance to older individuals and people with health conditions. UberAssist drivers are specifically trained to help riders into vehicles and have vehicles large enough to accommodate folding wheelchairs, walkers, and scooters.

Uber rates are competitive and often less expensive than a local taxi service, but they change depending on the time of day, availability, and trip duration. You can use the Uber app to request a ride for yourself, or if you are managing rides for a loved one, you can use the app to send a car to wherever they are. UberHealth, a platform for doctors' offices or senior centers, allows staff to schedule rides for clients on their behalf.

You can schedule rides ahead of time on the app, which is convenient if you are planning for doctor's appointments or trips. Overall, if you are tech-savvy or want to manage rides from afar, Uber is an excellent choice for on-demand transportation.

Veyo is a senior transportation service for non-emergency medical transportation that coordinates with Medicare and Medicaid providers. If your insurance plan covers non-emergency medical transportation, Veyo may be an option for you.

You do not need a smartphone to use Veyo; just call the call center directly and request trips as needed. However, if you have a smartphone, there is a convenient app available for tracking rides in real time. All drivers contracted through Veyo are background-checked, drug-tested, CPR-trained, and have ADA/HIPAA/customer sensitivity training. All vehicles have four doors, are newer than 2006, and have passed safety inspections.  

There is no direct cost for using Veyo services, and all expenses are paid directly by your insurance provider. You need to work with your health plan to determine if it uses Veyo and get signed up prior to calling for your first ride.

Veyo is a great option for older people with insurance coverage that covers non-emergency medical transportation costs and can help you book rides when needed. However, it only operates in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Michigan, and Virginia, with additional markets coming soon.