Seniors in Northern Virginia have plenty of options for enjoying their community outside the home. From public parks to free events, there is no shortage of activities to keep them active, social, and healthy. However, many families struggle to find senior citizen transportation that is safe and accessible for their loved ones.

Basic tasks such as going to the doctor or attending church can become out of reach if a senior cannot safely drive themself. Thankfully, Northern Virginia is home to many transportation resources that simplify the task of leaving the house. Families should stay aware of how their community can support their aging loved one’s changing transportation needs.

Here are the main resources for seniors in Northern Virginia so they can continue to get to where they need to go.

Public Transit Options

For many people, public transit remains the most common choice for getting somewhere. This includes the CUE bus, Fairfax Connector, and the Metrobus or Metrorail, depending on the location. All of these options offer accessibility adjustments, including priority seating and elevators to get to pick-up points. In addition, metro services are available at a discount for those aged 65 and older.

Paratransit and Disability-Friendly Options

MetroAccess provides door-to-door transit services for those who are not comfortable traveling on standard public transit. Users will share the ride with others, but they must fulfill certain criteria, such as having an ADA-registered disability or being unable to find accessible transportation options from other providers.

Fastran is another option, providing transportation for specific instances, such as medical emergencies. However, older folks can also use it to go to and from adult day health care centers, senior centers, and even grocery shopping (limited to two trips per month).

Taxi Services

In some instances, seniors need to go somewhere that public transit cannot take them, or perhaps to a location outside the service range of paratransit. In these situations, a taxi service could be the right fit.

Many taxi companies retain at least a few accessible vehicles, and advantages include the ability to specify exactly where to go and to more closely control the pick-up time. Just be sure that your loved one is traveling with a payment method that is compatible with taxis; call the service ahead of time to learn the best way to pay.

Volunteer Transportation

Many seniors are no longer at a level of physical or cognitive ability in which they can take full charge of transportation. They may have Parkinson’s, which interferes with their ability to turn a steering wheel, or they may use a walker, which leaves them unstable when getting to and from the bus stop. Many volunteer services can provide personalized transport to help these individuals.

Shepherd’s Centers offer volunteer transportation using accessible vehicles, and the kind people who participate can provide basic services such as watching to make sure your loved one enters the correct building after drop-off. AHA! and similar services also offer vehicle access, but as with all volunteer options, be sure to check availability.

Many providers require some forewarning so that a volunteer can confirm that they are available to help. Since volunteers are not staff, it is possible that securing a ride on short notice can be difficult compared to other transportation options.

Transportation Discounts

Virginia is a senior-friendly state, and many of its transportation options include discounts for those over the age of 65. The various metro services (the rail and bus) reduce the cost of travel for older individuals to make sure they can still access the transport they need.

The Transportation Options Programs and Services (TOPS) arrangement is also available to provide subsidies for transport. This service provides a debit card specifically meant to be used for buses and other transportation services.

Options ranging from taxi coupons to subsidized fees for rideshares, bus, and rail services are available. However, be sure to check TOPS regularly, as it occasionally implements a waitlist due to the popularity of the program. Participation is high because TOPS is available not just to seniors but also to low-income households.

Take Advantage of Senior Citizen Transportation

Older folks often find that their lifestyle changes as they age, but getting out of the house is one thing they should not have to lose. Thanks to Northern Virginia’s efforts to provide accessible senior citizen transportation, there are many options available!

Contact us to discover how the Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia is making a difference in communities like 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!