How Much Senior Transportation Can Cost (Affordable Options)
Transportation prices can range from upwards of $50 per hour to less than $10 per ride, with some programs offering flat rates and others calculating prices based on distance and other factors such as distance.
Budgeting For The Cost of Senior Transportation
The cost of senior transportation varies depending on a number of factors, including: the type of transportation company (who you pay); publicly-run services are usually less expensive than private-sector services; and services that are more generalized or open to a larger audience are less expensive.
Per Ride
Tolls, extra stops, and other fees may or may not be included in a rider’s basic price, and some companies will increase prices proportionally to the distance traveled.
Per Hour
Many transportation companies charge by the hour, which can be more convenient if they offer extra services like walk-in pick-up and drop-off points for senior citizens.
Ride Plans/ Passes
Most companies have pricing information on their websites; use the listed contact information to call and inquire about how much their services would cost; you’ll be able to easily compare prices and find the transportation option that works best for you, though it may take some time.
Why Do Seniors Need Transportation?
Many senior citizens are unable to drive due to failing eyesight, decreased motor control, and other issues, and they require transportation for a variety of reasons. Transportation is necessary for seniors who want to maintain their independence, as well as for their health, particularly if they have no relatives or friends nearby.
Transportation Options for Seniors
There are many options for senior transportation; some are designed specifically for seniors, while others can accommodate seniors but are open to people of all ages. Each service has its own set of advantages and disadvantages; they can be public or private, and prices vary depending on services and specialties.
Public Transportation
Public transportation, which includes buses, light rails, subways, shuttles, trams, ferries, boats, and even trains, can take longer depending on availability in your city. They usually offer rides at a low cost based on a per-ride basis or through purchased passes.
Paratransit
Paratransit or dial-a-ride transportation is designed for people with mobility issues and older adults, and it usually takes the form of buses that are equipped to handle wheelchairs and other aid devices. However, you must meet the requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act if you are unable to use public transportation for a valid reason.
Volunteer Transportation
Volunteer transportation may be available to all senior adults in your area, and it can be arranged by national, state, or local organizations. Some volunteer-run organizations require you to be affiliated with them. Volunteer transportation is less common and not always available in your area.
Ride-Hailing Services
Ride-hailing services have grown in popularity in recent years, with users requesting a car or other vehicle via a website, mobile app, or phone number. Taxi services are usually the most expensive, while ride-sharing services are usually the least expensive, with prices varying depending on the company and location.
Shared Ride Options
Many ride-hailing services now offer carpooling options known as ride-sharing, which has led to the creation of specific shared ride companies. Shared-ride services are much more affordable, but you’ll lose time and privacy because there are more stops involved.
Assisted Transportation Services
Assisted transportation is usually more expensive than regular ride-hailing services, but it also provides more security and assistance. Some factors to consider include your surrounding area, transportation budget, riding preferences, and personal needs.
Companies That Provide Transportation Services and Programs for Seniors
There are several transportation options available for people of all ages, with some services geared specifically toward seniors and others convenient for everyone. Pricing is listed in each option based on the financial information available from each company.
GoGoGrandparent
This transportation and delivery service is tailored toward people over 50 and costs $9.99 per month plus $0.27 per minute in concierge fees, not including Lyft or Uber ride fares. Users can request medication, meals, rides, and more via text or phone.
Veyo
Veyo is a program that provides non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) for free through certain healthcare and insurance plans. Users can request trips by calling a phone number or visiting a plan-specific website. Veyo works with health insurance agencies such as Medicare and Medicaid to provide NEMT.
Right at Home
Local care and transportation services for seniors living at home are provided by Right at Home and Right at Home. Transport. Costs are billed hourly, but may be affected by the level of services required (medical, non-medical, etc.). Some services are covered by insurance and reimbursement programs.
SilverRide
SilverRide is a door-to-door assisted ride service for seniors that operates in the San Francisco Bay and Kansas City areas. They provide round-trip or multi-stop assisted rides, with prices varying depending on distance, time of day, and type of accompaniment.
Via
This is a ride-sharing service that operates in New York, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. It advertises “guaranteed, low prices” for rides and quotes fares as low as $5 per person for groups of five or more. Tolls are split among the booking parties.
Liberty Mobility Now
Liberty Transportation is an aggregate transportation option that connects seniors in rural communities with rides for a fee. Liberty is a smaller company that only operates in seven states, but it prides itself on going above and beyond for all riders, particularly seniors.
How much should I charge for transportation?
Many employers will allow you to choose between mileage driven and the dollar amount of gas purchased (with a receipt). This is because many people have cars that use a lot of gas, and mileage rates may be less than the amount of gas you actually used.
How much should I charge as a driver?
Prices for a chauffeur can range from $75 to $250 per hour, but most companies have hourly minimums that push the price up to $225 or $1,500 for larger vehicles.
How do elderly get transportation?
10 Ways to Get a Senior to a Doctor’s Appointment or Other Appointment
- Use a taxi.
- Use a medical car.
- Use a wheelchair van.
- Use an ambulance.
- Home health aide drives their own car.
- Public Transportation (including Access Link)
- Use Uber (or Lyft)
What other transportation options do older adults have if they Cannot drive themselves?
Optional Transportation for Seniors Who Do Not Drive
- Public Transportation Routes. Using public transportation to get around most cities and towns is a relatively inexpensive option.
- Taxi Services.
- Volunteer Driving Programs.
- Medical Facility Transportation.
- Finding Community and Paratransit Services.
How much should I charge per hour for babysitting?
The average cost of a babysitter in California is $16.78 per hour; however, because the state’s minimum wage is $14 per hour, you can expect to pay between $14 and $25 per hour. A babysitter’s hourly rate is determined by their location, responsibilities, qualifications, and the type of care required.
Can I pay someone to drive me around?
You have a private chauffeur if you pay someone to drive you around. Chauffeur means “operator of a steam engine” in French, but it was originally a nickname for the first motorists who drove steam engine cars. Today, chauffeurs or driver for hire are the people you pay to drive you around, similar to a limo driver.
Can I hire someone to drive me across country?
You can hire an independent driver to drive your car across country, or you can look for a driver to drive someone else’s car across country by looking through wanted ads near the pick-up location for your vehicle on Craigslist or myfamilytravels.com.
Is GoGoGrandparent cheaper than Uber?
GoGoGrandparent costs $0.27 per minute plus the Uber or Lyft fare, which is the same as regular Uber plus a 10% service fee.
Is there Uber for seniors?
With an Australia-first alliance between ride-sharing service Uber and the New South Wales Government, seniors in NSW will have access to discounted rides. u201cBy partnering with Uber, we are making it easier than ever for seniors to get around NSW.
How do seniors get around without a car?
From most expensive to least expensive, here are five driving options for seniors:
- Friends or volunteers.
- Home aide/driver.
- Uber/Lyft/taxis.
- Public transportation.
- Senior call-and-ride programs.
How do I get around if I can’t drive?
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- Public transit.
- Bicycling.
- Bike sharing.
- Walking.
- Car rental.
- Taxi.
Does Medicare pay for rides to doctor?
Yes, Medicare Part B and Medicare Part A may cover medically necessary transportation ordered by a doctor, and some Medicare Advantage plans may cover non-emergency transportation, such as trips to your doctor’s office or clinic.
How do senior citizens get around?
When you are unable to provide transportation
- Use the Eldercare Locator.
- Public transportation.
- Paratransit.
- Demand response.
- Taxis.
- Ride-hailing.
- Non-emergency medical transportation.
- Volunteer programs.