As people get older, their ability to drive may begin to decline. This could be because arthritis makes holding the wheel difficult, they have a harder time with navigation than before, or a plethora of other reasons. Regardless of the reason, being unable to drive does not mean that a person needs to stay home all day. In fact, many older individuals continue to spend time outside the home well past retirement age, as it provides them with something interesting to do and keeps them socially engaged. Without a car, they rely on free transportation for senior citizens to get them where they need to go.
While family and friends can occasionally provide free rides, many people do not want to rely on these resources over the long term. The good news is that in Virginia, several free or discounted transportation services are available for folks aged 50 and above. You just need to know where to look. Here are some recommendations.
Employer Benefits
Not all people over the age of 50 continue to work, but for those who do, employer benefits can make transportation more accessible. Depending on the company, workplace benefits may cover low-cost or free transportation. For example, the Senior SmarTrip program offers a transit card that provides reduced fares for Metrorail, Metrobus, and regional buses.
Pairing this with employer support can be all it takes to provide cost-effective admission to friendly rides on the region’s most accessible transit options. If you only need temporary assistance, the SmartBenefits® “Plu$50” program offers a $50 credit to use on public transportation. Combined with reduced fares, this could go a long way toward helping your loved one get to appointments, run errands, and maintain their independence and dignity.
Many employer-sponsored programs are not entirely free; for example, they may deduct a small amount from a person’s paycheck to cover transportation costs. However, this can be done pre-tax, saving money compared to paying out of pocket.
Public Transit Coupons & Paratransit
Many public transit options provide coupons to help with the cost of transportation for older individuals. Seniors can receive 50% off Metrorail and Metrobus services. Additionally, if they receive SNAP benefits, they may also qualify for the Metro Lift program, which further reduces costs and keeps your loved one mobile and independent.
Depending on a person’s age and location, they may also qualify for programs such as the Super Senior Taxi, which provides coupons for taxi rides. Multiple types of initiatives are available in this category based on three primary factors: age, disability, and location.
Paratransit is another choice, allowing seniors to hail rides from public transportation on an individual basis. Scheduling paratransit is an easy way to coordinate transportation to suit specific social events or doctor’s appointments so your loved one can stay healthy and engaged with the community.
TRIP
TRIP, or the Transit Ridership Incentive Program, connects with seniors to issue TRIP cards for use on public transit. These can reduce the fare to zero in many instances if the individual who qualifies for the card falls into the low-income category. Even if TRIP does not fully eliminate transit costs, it can still significantly reduce them, especially for transit options that are senior-accessible (with wheelchair ramps, hand bars, etc.).
Lyft Up
Lyft has created a specialized program called Lyft Up, which serves individuals who might otherwise be unable to get to where they need to go. Lyft Up focuses primarily on low-income areas and currently operates primarily near the Washington, D.C. portion of Virginia. However, it continues to expand every year.
Volunteer Drivers
Generally, the best way for people over the age of 50 to access truly free transportation is to rely on volunteer efforts and non-profit organizations. Volunteers are not paid, so securing a specific time slot is not always guaranteed. However, they can come equipped with accessible vehicles to help those who struggle to find options on other services. Think of it as neighbors helping neighbors!
Additionally, organizations such as Shepherd’s Centers coordinate communications between volunteers and the people who need rides. They may provide a vehicle directly, or they can accompany an older individual on a trip. This service can overcome some barriers that previously prevented a person from getting out of the house, such as difficulty with navigation.
You should reach out well in advance of time to schedule rides if you are relying on non-profit support. Tipping is neither required nor expected, making it an entirely free alternative for those who struggle to use other options.
Enjoy the Ride With Free Transit Options
Individuals over 50 years old commonly find transportation to be a challenge, but it does not have to be that way. There are plenty of free or low-cost services available to make staying active, independent, and socially connected easy. Contact us for help scheduling rides or getting connected to a local center! We’re making a difference in communities such as Oakton, Vienna, Dunn Loring-Merrifield, Great Falls, Herndon, and Reston. If you’re outside these areas but have questions, give us a call, and we’ll guide you to the Shepherd’s Center nearest to you.