Not Feeling Comfortable Organizing Transportation Yet
In the Atlanta region, there are travel training programs for older adults and persons with disabilities. With programs like and training from our partners at disAbility Link , you can discover the information and gain the confidence you need to access transportation options our region.
Booking a ride for the first time?
There are some questions you may want to ask:
- What transportation choices are available?
- What are the costs?
- Are there age or income requirements? Is there an application?
- What is the service area?
- How far in advance do I need to schedule a ride?
- Is there evening and weekend service?
- Are there restrictions on the purpose of the ride?
- Can a companion travel too?
- Is it a shared ride? If so, how long can I expect to be in the vehicle?
- What is the pick-up window time frame?
- Are there any additional costs, such as going over a certain number of miles, waiting while I shop, or assisting with bags?
Volunteer senior citizen transport
Volunteer Driver Programs work well for older adults and individuals with disabilities who prefer door-to-door driver service. Run by local organizations and powered by volunteer drivers, these programs deliver you to medical appointments and daily errands safely and with ease. Metro Atlanta residents have several volunteer driver programs to choose fromsuch as Lifespan, I CARE , and the American Cancer Society Road to Recovery .
Us Local And State Transit Links
Program Description:
Links to thousands of transit agencies for cities, towns and counties across the United States. Find your route. Some routes are free for the seniors, some have subsidized fares, while other routes are donation based as they may be covered by agencies like the Area Agency on Aging.
Check your route to find out more details.
- Service Area: All 50 states
- Transportation Services Provided: All types.
- Eligibility Criteria: Almost all routes require you to show some proof, be it a medicaid card, disability proof, prescription form the doctor, or some other requirement. Contact your local route to find out more details.
Local Public Transit Agencies
You can find information about the paratransit services in your area through your local public transit agencies. Visit the American Public Transit Associations directory of public transit resources to find your state and then visit your states public transit association website for more information.
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United States Department Of Veteran Affairs
Program Description:
The Department of Veterans Affairs runs programs benefiting veterans and members of their families. It offers education opportunities and rehabilitation services and provides compensation
payments for disabilities or death related to military service, home loan guaranties, pensions, burials, and health care that includes the services of nursing homes, clinics, and medical centers.
VA recognizes Veterans who are visually impaired, elderly, or immobilized due to disease or disability, and particularly those living in remote and rural areas face challenges traveling to their VA health care appointments. Veterans Transportation Service is working to establish Mobility Managers at each local VA facility to help Veterans meet their transportation needs.
Transportation Options For The Elderly And Disabled
6 September 2022
It might be surprising to know that one-half of Americans who are older than 65, do not have direct access to transportation. The non-drivers stay at home, being isolated because they do not know their transportation options. Transportation Options for the Elderly and Disabled are improved a lot nowadays.
The process involved in finding the right transportation can be quite hectic and frustrating. To get the best results, it is suggested that an adult child, a caretaker, or a social worker helps the seniors in their life by finding the best fit for them. It involves several factors such as the eligibility criteria, pick-up locations, routes, hours of operation, and wheelchair accessibility access .
Keeping in view the importance for seniors to remain mobile, meet their friends or family, shop for basic necessities and meet the doctors appointments, we have listed a number of affordable options that are safe, accessible, and convenient.
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How Can I Become Eligible For Assisted Transportation
You will realize that the eligibility requirements for this kind of transportation service will depend on a particular type of assisted transportation service. This is because some transportation services are ideal for the blind, while others are ideal for those who are handicapped and so on. Therefore, your disability will determine if you are eligible for this assistance or not.
Besides this, the purpose of traveling plays a critical role when it comes to the eligibility of this assistance. This is because some programs usually offer emergency services while others usually offer non-emergency services. On the other hand, some programs offer transport services for shopping, social visits, and other errands. Finally, you have to be registered with the service before being allowed to use it.
Coordination With Federal Programs
FTAs Section 5310 program allows grantees to coordinate and assist in regularly providing meal delivery service for homebound individuals, if the delivery service does not conflict with providing public transportation service or reduce service to public transportation passengers. Learn more about the Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility .
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Can I Get Senior/ Disabled Discounts For Using Public Transit Services
Yes. As we speak, most cities offer senior and disabled discounts in one way or another. However, you have to register for a specific program for you to enjoy these discounts. Better still, you can apply for a special senior train or bus pass, and you will be good to go. In fact, cities such as Chicago hardly charge senior bus fares.
Here, they are able to travel from one location to another free of charge. All you need to do is to research your city and check if there are any discounts offered to seniors or not. After that, you will be able to plan your budget appropriately.
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How Do I Learn More About Transportation Services
For more information email the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services t or call .
Important Considerations
Under the American with Disabilities Act, the personal care attendants may accompany eligible individuals but must have the same origin and destination as the individuals receiving the transportation service.
Transporting an individual to a medical facility via ambulance is only allowable when a person cannot be transported by another type of vehicle due to the individual’s medical condition. Ambulance transportation is also an allowable service under Medicare and Medicaid in accordance with certain criteria.
This service is also supported by other funding sources. Click the links below to find out more.
For individuals who are on Medicaid or Medicaid eligible then Medicaid will support rides to Medicaid covered services. A rider should contact his/her social worker or call their local Department of Social Services. Information about local transit services can be found at the Department of Transportation website.
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Community Transportation Association Of America
Program Description:
The Community Transportation Association of America and its members believe that mobility is a basic human right. From work and education to life-sustaining
health care and human services programs to shopping and visiting with family and friends, mobility directly impacts quality of life. National Volunteer Transportation Center is a program by CTAA who’s purpose is to promote and support the concept and practice of volunteer transportation, which includes volunteer driver programs, shared vehicle utilization, and ride sharing initiatives. The National Volunteer Transportation Center is pleased to present this map that provides a listing of volunteer transportation providers in each state.
- Service Area: All 50 states
- Transportation Services Provided: Each organisation has a different policy.
- Eligibility Criteria: Each organisation has a different policy.
- Application Details:
- Each organisation has a different policy. Find your place in the map and contact the organisation to see what kind of application they require.
What Are The Different Transportation Options For The Elderly
Since seniors find it challenging to drive themselves from one destination to another, there is a need for them to seek alternative means of personal transportation. After all, they will be able to travel more conveniently and arrive safely at their various destinations. Some of the options that have proved effective include the following:
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Door To Door Transportation
The Sunshine Line provides door-to-door transportation for elderly, people with disabilities, or low-income residents who do not have, or cant afford their own transportation. Transportation is provided for medical and social service appointments, grocery trips, health and wellness, personal business and more. Trips are prioritized based on trip purpose and provided on a space-available basis.
Transportation Services For Veterans
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs offers 2 types of Veterans Transportation Programs to eligible veterans as travel solutions to and from their VA health facilities. Those who are eligible can use the services at little to no cost.
Veterans Transportation Service gives safe transportation to veterans requiring assistance traveling to and from their VA health facilities and other authorized non-VA health appointments. This service also partners with other local service providers to serve veterans in their communities with transportation needs. Search for a local VTS office to find transportation services near you.
The Beneficiary Travel program reimburses eligible veterans for travel costs incurred while traveling to and from their local VA health facilities. With a request from the VA, the BT can provide pre-approved transportation or arrange special mode transportation for eligible veterans. Find out more about the Beneficiary Travel program, see if youre eligible and find out how to apply through the VA website.
Driving doesnt have to be a burden on you or someone you love. There are multiple options around the state that can help with your transportation needs getting you to your destination safe and stress-free.
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Apply For Free Transportation Services Near You As Part Of Disability Benefits
There is not just one place to turn to for assistance. Instead rides for shopping or critical health care needs can be available from one of many different sources. As part as any government mandated services, such as Paratransit or a Wheelchair Accessible program, those are often run by local human or social service offices. Locate .
Another source for all disabled and seniors to use, or people on Medicaid or Medicare, is the Eldercare Locator service. There is a tool free line set up to dial for referrals to transportation programs, and dial 1-800-677-1116 to find free disabled or handicap transportation services near you, including for adults or seniors. This is a toll free number that provide information on free transportation, details on SSI disabled, and details on other resources as well. Read more on .
Many of the volunteer organizations are run by local charities. There are dozens on places to try for low cost or free transportation, everyone from the Salvation Army to St. Vincent de Paul and many others. Information can be obtained from the search bar at the top of this page. Or anyone with a verified disability seeking a ride can also try the .
Same Day Access Program
This Montgomery County Transportation Program is part of the Call-n-Ride program, designed to provide subsidized transportation service for certified MetroAccess participants who reside in Montgomery County.
All Montgomery County Residents who have current MetroAccess Identification cards qualify to receive $60.00 value on their Call-n-Ride swipe card, when they pay $30.00.
All trips must begin and end in Montgomery County. Special exceptions have been made to allow transportation to approved medical facilities in Designated Service Areas.
PLEASE REFER TO SDA PARTICIPANTS GUIDES FOR PROGRAM POLICIES AND PROCEDURES.
Important Forms:
To become a new Same Day Access participant, you must first register. A completed application with supporting documentation is required in order to verify your eligibility.
You can access Montgomery Countys CNR Swipe Card Participant Portal module by visiting: www.eztransport.net/mococnr/members. The Participant Swipe Card Web Portal is an internet interface that allows participants to manage their cards. Participants can add value to their cards and also check account information. Participants must register online before they can access their account over the internet. Once registered, participants can view their balances, print statement, view transactions, manage profile, report a lost, stolen or damaged card, contact customer service, and/or make a payment.
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Considerations For Private Transportation Providers
Before choosing a service provider, always keep in mind the five As:
Availability It is better to choose a transport service with a flexible service schedule that can attend to your needs whenever, wherever.
Accessibility Choose transport services that you can easily reach out to, and have sites or offices near your residence. This is an important consideration when factoring in emergency situations.
Acceptability Hail services with a credible and good reputation. This can indicate the cleanliness of their vehicles or amenities, and the overall quality of their services.
Affordability Choose services that you can afford in the long-run. Also, look into the possible insurance plans that can already cover your transportation costs.
Adaptability Not all your needs are already predetermined. Go for an innovative and visionary service provider who can go the extra mile just to ensure meeting some of your special, and even unprecedented needs.
Enrolling In The Program
To enroll in the door-to-door service program, call Sunshine Line at 272-7272, Monday – Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM to find out if you are eligible. When calling, you will need to provide the following information:
- Disability type
- Household income
You will then be sent an application form that must be completed and returned to continue receiving service:
Persons with disabilities who need accommodations to make any of these document accessible should email the or call 276-8401 TTY: 7-1-1.
*Fillable forms may not work correctly with many browsers – if you have issues with the form, do one of the following:
- Download the form to your computer and open it up with a PDF viewer, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Try using the Internet Explorer browser to open the PDF
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Transportation Services For The Elderly And Disabled
It is always appreciated that a caregiver provides a ride to elderly people. When you cannot give them a ride, finding an alternative solution for them is the way to go. You can discover elderly transportation services that can lessen your burden and help your loved ones to stay socially connected through research.
The Independent Transport Network America
To start with, the ITNAmerica transportation option is a non-profit organization that enables seniors who are 60 years and above to travel from one location to another. The disabled can also enjoy these services. However, this program comes with a fee where members are required to pay an annual membership of approximately $50 to $60 for a single person.
However, if you want to travel as a family, you should be ready to part with $60 to $80.The good news is that clients will always get rides anytime they please. In fact, drivers here offer door-to-door services.
Whether you have bags or other items that you want to carry for you, the drivers will ensure that they travel safely to your desired destination. Generally, the rates charged for transportation service is affordable. However, the pricing will depend on your local affiliate.
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Transportation Services For Elderly And Disabled
Just like any other person, seniors and the disabled need to travel from one location to another due to a number of purposes. From shopping for home necessities to making doctors appointments, there are many reasons why seniors might need to travel from one place to another. Besides this, they also need to attend social events and bond with their loved ones. All these endeavors need one to have a good means of transport so that he or she can travel more conveniently.
However, this is not always the case as one-half of Americans who are 65 years and above cannot access public transport. In fact, those who cannot drive themselves have to remain at home since they are short of transport options. Seniors residing in rural areas are greatly affected as transport options are very limited. The good news is that there are transport programs to ensure these seniors are able to travel from one location to another more conveniently. In this article, we shall take a closer look at these programs and other facets so that you can know them better.
Transportation For The Elderly And Persons With Disabilities Program
The Transportation for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities Grant Program is a federally funded program that provides financial assistance to nonprofit organizations in the District of Columbia to purchase vehicles to provide transportation services to elderly persons and persons with disabilities.
The objective of the program is to assist those organizations that are able to maximize the use of vehicles to provide needed service for the elderly and disabled population they serve. Since the inception of the program, the District of Columbia has provided more than 34 vehicles to 14 organizations that provide transportation services to elderly persons and persons with disabilities.
DDOT will evaluate proposals for the urgency and relevance of the proposed service in needing local needs and extent that it interfaces with existing public and private transit and paratransit services.
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