Getting older adults to and from appointments, out to restaurants, social engagements and shopping is made easier by excellent service providers in NW Ohio.
FREE or Nearly Free
TARTA
TARTA provides an efficient system of transportation services for seniors. For those living in Toledo’s suburban areas, TARTA’s Flex program offers home pickup with transport to wherever the rider wish to go, in their suburb, as well as a ride back home.
To travel outside of a suburb within the Toledo metro area, Flex transports to a TARTA bus stop with a bus transfer to complete the journey. Those requesting a ride can schedule 30 to 60 minutes in advance, or the day before the trip. Currently the cost is $3.00 per trip one-way.
TARTA also provides a service, TARPS, which offers door to door service for those who meet a needs test (most seniors meet the test), which requires completion of an application and advance reservations. Expect to pay $3.00 per trip.
Justin Morr, of the Area Office on Aging, notes, “TARTA has been a real life line for many of the older adults who can take the bus and attend the nutrition program for those age 60 and better through the free bus pass program. This is definitely something they (TARTA) should continue to do for Lucas County older adults. It is critically important for older adults and younger persons with disabilities to have adequate transportation throughout the county.”
B&W Transportation
Funded by AOoA using the Lucas County Senior Services Fund, B&W offers free medical appointment transportation for seniors. According to B&W’s Clark Gross, seniors may receive up to four free rides per month within Lucas County for medical related trips but first must complete an application at: bwtransportation.com/AOoA. This is a “24/7/365 on demand” program requiring and providing no advance reservations. A $3 donation is suggested to those requesting a ride. Contact B&W Transportation for more information. 419-536-8294.
B&W also offers seniors, age 60 and over, a 10% discount on non-medical transportation.
Senior Centers
Most senior centers offer transportation to and from the centers and a few offer limited transportation services for seniors in their area including trips to the grocery, arts performances and events and more. Call or check the website of your local senior center to learn what transportation options are offered.
Fee Based Services
Many local services offer medical and non-medical transportation services for a fee. Generally, Medicaid participants can use these services free of charge with the expense covered by Medicaid. Medicare subscribers do not receive free transportation, but may qualify for reduced costs. The Area Office on Aging has a comprehensive list of the fee-based services on the website. The website also features an interactive tool where seniors can find the most convenient and affordable ride for their needs. Just put in your location, where you would like to go, when and what type of travel you are looking for, and it will find the perfect ride for you. So for those feeling homebound, or with limited transportation options, these services are an important opportunity to get out of the house and to remain active participants in our community.
