Alternative Transportation: Public Transportation

Check into buses, vanpools and special transit services for older adults.

by: Education & Outreach, from: AARP, Updated November 2012

The Getting Around Guide

— Mary F. Calvert

Introduction

Walking

Bicycling

Public Transportation

Put It Together

Researching Your Options

Use these resources to find transportation options in your community:

• Your local transit agency. Call or visit its website, which may have detailed information on routes, schedules, and fares. Many transit providers at the state and local levels are listed within the Resource Library on the American Public Transportation Association website.
• Also, many transit agencies provide special services for people with qualifying disabilities. To learn about eligibility, contact your local transit provider.

Transportation Options for Non-Drivers. Read

Ride the Bus—It's Easy. Watch

• Many states are setting up additional numbers for government services. Though not available everywhere, these numbers may help you find information about local transportation options:
»» 211 (human services)
»» 311 (government information and non-emergency services)
»» 511 (travel information)

We Need to Talk

At some point, most people will need to “retire” from driving, and it is often up to family members to raise this difficult subject. Knowing there are transportation alternatives can make the transition easier for the driver, who will likely feel a loss of independence once the option of driving is gone. To help caregivers talk about driving with a loved one, AARP produced a seminar called We Need to Talk based on information created jointly by the Hartford and the MIT AgeLab. For more information about We Need to Talk seminars, brochures and videos, go to www.aarp.org/weneedtotalk.