Are you a senior who’s decided it’s time to hang up the car keys? Can you no longer drive safely? After a certain age driving around town can be really challenging, because of health conditions, and True to care is here to help. The transition can be overwhelming for everyone involved, but don’t worry – there are options for senior transportation in your area. The city of Phoenix offers many programs for older residents, including classes and activities for seniors, and they should not stay at home when they can spend a good time with other people.

Seniors have certain needs, especially when it comes to transportation. They can utilize local transportation options, including public transportation, private ride or ride-hailing services, para-transit services or Non-Emergency Medical Transportation, taxis or volunteer programs, senior community transportation. But some of them may not be a safe option or does not assure you about getting in time to your appointment or treatment.

Public transportation is the most obvious choice for seniors in good health who don’t drive. With public transportation, they have fixed routes, stops and schedules but they must walk to and from bus stops or train stations, adhere to strict schedules, and wait outside for pickup to use public transportation. That can be difficult for those with limited mobility or difficulty following a schedule.

Phoenix also provide complementary or para-transit services for people with disabilities. As part of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), those services must be available within 3/4 mile of a bus route or rail station at the exact time and days for no more than twice the fixed route fare. But paratransit drivers are not required to help their passengers to get into and out of the vehicle; the users must be able to navigate their way from inside home onto the vehicle or have a companion to help them.

Often called “door-through-door” services, private companies charge customers for their services. They are similar to taxis, but they cater specifically to seniors and the disabled. The customer does receive the assistance, but it comes at an extra cost. A ride might cost anywhere between $20 and $40. In addition, private ride services for seniors are usually only located in urban areas and suburbs.

Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft give seniors access to a car, anywhere if they have a smartphone, but the driver may be different each time, so the quality can vary. A senior can also call a taxi but that services are more expensive than they used to be. In addition, availability may be limited, depending on the senior’s location. 

True to care offers flexibility for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) passengers and older adults by allowing them to plan trips based on their schedule. Our ADA vehicles help people with disabilities to travel wherever they choose. We transport our passengers to and from medical centers for ongoing medical treatment including dialysis treatment, radiation therapies, and other medical treatments.