Affordable Medical Transportation Services for Seniors

1.Volunteer Driver Programs

As hinted by the name, these are programs in which volunteers provide door-to-door transportation for elders and handicapped individuals. These are self-contained regional programs. Volunteer Driver programs are either free or extremely affordable. (Five to ten dollars each trip, far less than the cost of private transportation.)

2.Private Ride Services

Often referred to as Door-Through-Door services, Door-to-Door services, or D2D services, they are private businesses that charge passengers for their help. These services are similar to taxis, but are particularly created for the elderly and handicapped, combining the functions of an ambulance and a cab. Expect to pay between twenty and forty bucks each ride. Private senior transportation services are mostly restricted to metropolitan and suburban locations. Two of the most well-known private trip transportation businesses are SilverRide and Gogograndparent.

3.Para-Transit Services

According to the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), every city that offers public transportation must also have an accessible system that serves the same geographic region. The term “Para-Transit Services” refers to these auxiliary systems. Additionally, they often operate wheelchair-accessible vans rather than buses. By law, they may charge no more than double the rate charged by public transportation for the same journey. For instance, if the cost of a cross-town subway journey is $3, the Para-Transit service may charge no more than $6.

4.The Independent Transportation Network America (ITNAmerica)

The Independent Transportation Network America is a non-profit organization that provides rides for seniors 60 years of age and older (some areas set the minimum age at 65), as well as persons who are visually impaired. Via ITN, which charges an annual membership fee of approximately $50-$60 for a single rider and $60 to $80 for a family, riders are matched with paid and volunteer drivers

5.Rides in Sight

While not a program in and of itself, Rides in Sight is a nationwide database of transportation options. Created by ITNAmerica, assistance in finding transportation for seniors and visually challenged persons is provided. Specific details are taken into consideration, such as the requirement of a wheelchair accessible vehicle, how far one is travelling, visual issues, and one’s age, when making transportation referrals. There is no cost associated with using the Rides in Sight referral service.