One of the most important factors in living a full life as an older adult is the ability to get around. Which makes transportation options for seniors in metro Detroit and Ann Arbor crucial.
If your parent doesn’t live in a senior community that offers transportation services, though, what are the options to help them get to activities or doctor’s appointments?
Besides catching a ride with you or using a much pricier ride sharing service like Uber or Lyft, there are a few services that may be able to help.
SMART Connector
Beyond using the overall SMART bus system routes to get to local destinations, the SMART Connector service offers curb-to-curb transportation within a 10-mile radius of a designated service area.
Advance reservations are required: Six days is recommended for medical appointments and two days for other destinations.
Those ages 65 years and older, and those with disabilities, pay just $1 each way for a trip. Those younger still get a deal at $4 each way.
All Connector buses are equipped to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers.
Be mindful, though. There is no guarantee you will get a spot on the bus. It’s a first-come, first-served service, so make your reservation early by calling 866-962-5515. Press 1 for Connector, then press 1 again for reservations. Reservations can also be made online at smartbus.org.
The service runs 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday (not on holidays).
Myride2 Transportation Concierge Service
The Area Agency on Aging 1-B offers its myride2 transportation concierge service for seniors and adults with disabilities who live in Oakland, Macomb and western Wayne counties.
It doesn’t provide the actual transportation. Instead, it helps find transportation providers that fit a senior’s needs – whether they need a low-cost option, wheelchair access, etc.
Seniors call the service, let them know where they want to go and myride2 will arrange transportation from start to finish.
This can be especially helpful when seniors need to go on longer trips that take them outside the range of the neighborhood transportation services they might usually use – like those provided by local senior centers or connector services.
There is no charge for arranging transportation through myride2. Payments are made directly to transportation providers.
Rides can be requested online at myride2.com or by calling 855-697-4332. Allow at least two business days to arrange a ride.
