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Introduction

Many older Americans think giving up the car keys means giving up independence. In the Austin, TX area, that does not have to be the case. There are in place some transportation options for seniors through public and private transportation programs and specialized services.

This transportation guide will aid you in finding the transportation option that best suits your needs or the needs of someone you know. It also includes facts, and a true/false quiz pertaining to transportation needs of older adults.

The RIDE GUIDE started as a project initiated by the Beverly Foundation and the Easter Seals Foundation. These foundations chose West Austin Caregivers as one of seven national senior transportation programs to pilot test a Senior Transportation Guide template in their respective communities. The project locally grew into a collaborative effort between West Austin Caregivers, the Aging Services Council, Community Action Network, Leadership Austin and Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.

West Austin Caregivers and the 2003-2004 Leadership Austin Senior Transportation Action Team made every effort to assure the entries of local services are accurate. Some content was supplemented by information from Aging: Every Generation's ConcernÉA Guide for Elders and their Caregivers published by the Gray Panthers of Austin, with that organization's permission.

If you have any questions, or would like additional copies of this booklet, please write or call:
WEST AUSTIN CAREGIVERS
2601 Exposition Blvd.
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 472-6339
E-Mail: wacaregivers@juno.com

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Preface

Senior Transportation for some is...

...seen as a one-way street - getting services to seniors; but really it is a two-way street for it also involves getting seniors to services, and to life.

...perceived as the domain of the public and paratransit systems; but it also is the domain of community groups, clubs, senior centers, meal programs and private providers.

...viewed as getting people to quantity of life services and support; but it also involves quality of life opportunities.

...thought of as meeting service needs for the frail elderly; but it also can be seen as providing the means for enabling well seniors to be productively involved in their communities.

...approached as a senior problem for seniors to solve; but the solution can also be addressed by caregivers, community groups, and transportation providers.

Éseen as problematic with the solution being creating new programs; but the solution can also be adapting existing options to be more senior friendly.

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Table of Contents

True/False Quiz

Transportation Considerations

Transportation Facts

Senior Drivers

Public Transit

Paratransit

Specialized Senior Transportation

Rural Transportation

Ambulance Service

Business Shuttles

Information & Referral

True/False Quiz Answers

Supplemental Senior Transportation

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True/False Quiz

The following 10 questions are to test your knowledge about senior transportation. Please mark each statement with a "T"--true and "F"--false.

  1. __90% of people over the age of 65 continue to drive their automobiles (have valid driver's licenses).
  2. __Dial-A-Ride programs only provide transportation to people who are disabled.
  3. __ Recent research indicates that most people should be able to continue driving throughout their life.
  4. __ Less than 5% of the population in the US use public transportation.
  5. __Every city in the US is required to provide public transit services to its residents.
  6. __Volunteer drivers for individuals or organizations must report any payment for mileage to the IRS.
  7. __Volunteer drivers that use their own vehicles need personal auto insurance.
  8. __Adults 65+ have the highest pedestrian death rate of any age group, even children.
  9. __The 85+ population will grow 30% in the United States by the year 2009.
  10. __Rural communities get more than their fair share of transportation dollars.
CLICK HERE FOR ANSWERS

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Transportation Considerations

Whether you are looking for transportation for yourself, or you are a caregiver in search of transportation for seniors, you may want to consider the following questions before deciding on a transportation option. Then use these questions to gather information that is more detailed from the transportation provider you are considering.

  1. What is the service area?
  2. Is there a limitation on distance?
  3. How much will the service cost?
  4. Do insurance companies pay for rides provided by the service?
  5. Are there requirements to qualify for the service? If so, what are they?
  6. Is there an evaluation that must take place prior to the first ride?
  7. Is there a required membership fee that must be paid before scheduling rides with the service?
  8. How far in advance must riders make reservations?
  9. Are rides available in the evenings, on weekends or on holidays?
  10. Are rides only for medical appointments and grocery shopping?
  11. Is service door-through-door, door-to-door or curb-to-curb?
  12. Are people who use wheelchairs able to use the service?
  13. Do riders stay in their wheelchair, or must they transfer to a seat during the ride?
  14. Is there an escort or attendant in the vehicle with the driver?
  15. Does someone stay with me/my family member during appointments?
  16. Can a family member serve as an escort? If so, is there an extra cost associated?
  17. Will there be a wait when picked up from home? If so, how long?
  18. Will there be a wait when picked up for my return trip? If so, how long?
  19. Will the driver or attendant come into the office/building for the return trip?
  20. Will other passengers be riding? If so, what is the maximum length of time of the ride while others are being pick-up/dropped-off?

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Transportation Facts

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Senior Drivers

Adaptive Driving Program

St. David's Rehabilitation Center offers a comprehensive driver evaluation and training program for individuals who experience medical or age-related functional difficulties that hamper the ability to drive a vehicle. Therapists use objective, standardized data from clinical tests and "on the road" driving tests to determine the patient's: ability to drive; ability to use adaptive equipment if necessary, and; willingness to participate in training sessions. Recommendations may include advanced driver training or the need to defer from driving.

Driving Instruction

Older drivers can benefit from follow-up driving instruction and information about changes in driving habits that will help them feel safe on the road.

Handicap Parking Permits

Handicap parking on a temporary (6 months) or permanent (4 yr renewal cycle) basis is available to individuals who have an approved handicap placard or handicap license plate. Physicians complete forms that patients obtain from the County Tax assessor's office. Physicians must clarify whether the handicap is temporary or permanent, and whether the reason is mobility, or non-mobility related. The Handicap Parking Placard is convenient to use when a passenger in other vehicles too.

Renewing Driver's License / State ID

Many older drivers continue to renew their driver's licenses even after "giving up the car keys" to have it for identification. Non-drivers can obtain a State Identification card that is an official document for identification.

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Public Transit

Established in 1985, Capital Metro Transportation Authority (Capital Metro) provides public transit and paratransit service in the Austin area with fixed route, door to door, and suburban express service.

A Board of Directors guides Capital Metro. A Mobility Impaired Service Advisory Committee provides recommendations from passengers for enhancement of services to senior citizens and passengers with disabilities.

Service boundaries include Anderson Mill, Austin, Jonestown, Lago Vista, Leander, Manor, and San Leanne.

Fixed route fee: $.50/ free transfer

Fixed Route Buses

Bus schedules (English & Spanish) are available at local grocery stores, Austin Public Libraries and other locations, or call the "GO-Line": (512) 474-1200. Route schedules are also posted at major bus stops.

Special Accommodations for Fixed Routes

Capital Metro accommodates the special needs of senior citizens and passengers with disabilities who choose to use the fixed route service:

Identification cards for senior citizens and mobility-impaired passengers are available for $3 at Capital Metro's Transit Store, Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Capital Metro Transit Store
323 Congress Ave.
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 389-7454

Northwest Dial-A-Ride

  1. Advance registration for door-to-door service is available in Lago Vista, Jonestown and Leander every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for direct service.
    Northwest Dial-A-Ride goes to:
    • Any location on the Highway 183 corridor between FM 620 and the U.S. 183/MoPac intersection
    • Highland Mall
    • Northcross Mall
    • The Central Medical Complex-any location within the following area: north of 26th, south of 45th, west of Guadalupe and east of Shoal Creek
    • Other destinations are available upon request, contingent upon scheduling constraints at time of reservation.
  1. Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance.
    CALL (512)478-RIDE between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. for more information or reservations.

  2. The adult one-way fare for the Northwest Dial-A-Ride service is $1, but senior adults, Medicare cardholders and persons who are mobility-impaired ride free.

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Paratransit

Originally established in 1976, Capital Metro has operated Special Transit Services (STS) since 1985 using mini-vans with lifts, cars and cabs. Pre-approved persons with disabilities can request the door-to-door service at sixty cents per ride. This is a shared-ride service operating in the same geographic areas as Capital Metro fixed route service. The Demand-Response service requires reservations to be called in as early as 8 days in advance and until 5:00 p.m. the day before service. Rides are on a first-come, first-served basis. Passenger assigned Escorts may accompany dependent on space availability. Rides are point to point, therefore return trips are usually scheduled as a separate ride request. If booked as an "Open return trip," this may involve waiting more than an hour after calling for a ride.

Tickets available at a discount for a ten-ride book for $3.00 or monthly pass for $15.00 at local grocery stores or Capital Metro Transit Store

Taxi Voucher Program

The STS Taxi Voucher program provides enrolled passengers with an alternative for return trips from medical or therapy appointments and grocery stores. Eligible passengers must be able to ride in a sedan. The Voucher program provides a subsidized taxi ride, up to $12.00 (6 miles) for a minimum of $.60. For trips exceeding 6 miles, passengers pay the difference:

6.1 - 9 miles = additional $2.00
9.1 - 12 miles = additional $5.00
12.1 - 15 miles = additional $8.00

Requests to be on the Taxi Voucher list for a specific date are made when scheduling transportation with STS to the appointment.

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Specialized Senior Transportation

Volunteer Caregivers

There are seven neighborhood-based Volunteer Caregiver programs in the greater Austin area. Their shared mission is to provide volunteer support services to enhance the independence of older adults. Transportation is a major component of the service delivery. The volunteers, who use their own vehicles, serve as companions while providing transportation. There is no charge for this service, but clients pay parking lot fees. These nonprofit organizations accept donations.

Transportation to essential requests for healthcare needs and groceries has first priority, but rides are available to social/recreational activities, beauty shops and personal/business errands. Service requests are for round trip or one way rides. Most service is scheduled late morning to early afternoon, but some volunteers are available for early morning, late afternoon, evening or weekend service.

Enrollment is limited to older adults who are still living independently in the community.

Contact the Volunteer Caregiver program serving your neighborhood to schedule an assessment for enrollment or to inquire about volunteering.

The Volunteer Caregiver groups provide transportation services based on the clients' level of need:

Curb to Curb Client goes to vehicle on own when volunteer arrives. Volunteer drops client off at destination and returns to pick up client later for return trip to residence.
Door - to - Door: Volunteer goes to residence door for client and escorts to entrance of destination. Volunteer returns to pick up client later and assists client to residence door.
Door - through - Door: Volunteer goes into residence, assists client into vehicle and escorts client into destination, staying for the duration. Volunteer then drives client home, assisting into residence.
Level of Service Geographic Boundaries
Curb to Curb
Door - to - Door
Door - through - Door
(round trip or one-way drives)		 North - FM 2243
South - Loop 360 to Duval
East - Parmer Ln.
West - 620 to 2222

Level of Service Geographic Boundaries
Curb to Curb
Door - to - Door
Door - through - Door
(round trip or one-way drives)		 Georgetown city limits

Level of Service Geographic Boundaries
Curb to Curb
Door - to - Door
Door - through-Door
(round trip or one-way drives)		 North - 1325 (Burnet Rd.)
South - 45th St.
East - I-35
West - Burnet Rd.

Level of Service Geographic Boundaries
Curb to Curb
Door - to - Door
Door - through-Door
(round trip or one-way drives)		 North - Yager Ln
South - Martin Luther King
East - Decker Ln.
West - I-35

Level of Service Geographic Boundaries
Curb to Curb
Door - to - Door
Door - through-Door
(round trip or one-way drives)		 North - Chandler Rd. (1431)
South - FM 1325
East - Decker Ln.
West - Parmer Ln.

Level of Service Geographic Boundaries
Curb to Curb
Door - to - Door
Door - through-Door
(round trip or one-way drives)		 North - Colorado River
South - Boggy Creek
East - Pleasant Valley/Nuckols Crsg.
West - Mopac/Brodie Lane

Level of Service Geographic Boundaries
Curb to Curb
Door - to - Door
Door - through-Door
(round trip or one-way drives)		 North - North 183
South - Town Lake
East - I-35 to 45th St, then Burnet Rd
West - 360 to Lake AustinMopac/Brodie Lane

Volunteer Caregiver programs are interfaith-based and initiated by coalitions of congregations to reach out to their senior neighbors. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation encourages interested congregational coalitions to pursue funding for the development of programs in underserved areas through the Faith in Action program.

For additional information:
Call - (877) 324-8411
E-mail: info@fiavolunteers.org
Log on: fiavolunteers.org

A Neighbor's Independence Depends on You

Capital Metro EasyRider Program

The EasyRider Program is a service of Capital Metro. It provides free group (20 or more) transportation for senior citizens (65 years or older) during specific hours.

Call (512) 389-7583 for additional information on the EasyRider program.

Senior Support Services of Austin

This project of the City of Austin's Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) provides: (1) rides along set routes to senior centers and senior lunch programs; (2) personal rides for non-emergencies such as medical appointments and grocery stores; and (3) rides for groups of seniors for shopping trips and other outings. Rides outside of the established routes require 24-hour reservations and availability of the program's 14 vans and 24 mini-buses. Serves only within Austin city limits with suggested $2.00 donation. Service is curb to curb.

Home Care Services

Some home care agencies provide transportation as part of the package of services offered to enrolled clients. As with other services, transportation is usually booked in 2 Ð 4 hour segments with a separate fee for service payment. If currently enrolled for other services, ask the provider whether transportation is an optional service. Check the Yellow Pages of the local phone directories for listings under HOME HEALTH SERVICES or contact the Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area (512) 916-6062 for assistance.

Taxi Service

Taxi services in the greater Austin area offer pre-arranged and response/demand sedans and vans. Several of these companies provide wheelchair transport. Check the TAXICAB listing in the Yellow Pages of the local phone book.

American Cancer Society

Road to Recovery, sponsored by the Austin Metro Area American Cancer Society, is a volunteer-based transportation program. Volunteers use their own vehicles to transport persons with cancer for cancer treatment and some medical appointments. Apply by phone.

Meals on Wheels and More

In addition to home-delivered meals, this organization also offers transportation to medical appointments and grocery shopping. Volunteers use their personal vehicles. Call to schedule an in-home assessment for enrollment.

Medicaid Recipient Transportation

Elderly Medicaid recipients may qualify for free transportation to doctor appointments and pharmacies if they are not residing in a long term care facility, or do not have dual enrollment in Medicare and Medicaid. Texas Department of Human Services does not have vehicles, but provides free tickets for use with Capital Metro services and taxis. Check Medicaid card for these programs: QMB or SLMB. If NOT receiving these services, Medicaid recipients can call (877) 633-8747 to receive free tickets to use Capital Metro's Special Transit Service or the Taxi Voucher Program.

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Rural Transportation

The Capital Area Rural Transportation System, or CARTS, provides vans and special lift-equipped vehicles to the public in rural locations. Service frequency in the various locales ranges from several times a day to once a month. The service gives priority to the elderly and disabled adults. Most CART vans have scheduled routes to nutrition sites, senior centers and health, medical and social service facilities. Routes also include shopping and recreational sites. Apply by phone.

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Ambulance Services

For non-emergency situations, call the ambulance company in advance to determine cost and payment arrangements. Insurance coverage for ambulances is usually restrictive so it best to check with insurance company ahead of time to determine coverage. Ambulance companies often require cash payment at the time of transfer. Billing is on a flat fee plus mileage basis, with extra charges for additional service such as oxygen. Check the Yellow Pages of local phone directories for listings under AMBULANCE SERVICE.

For Emergency Transport call 911

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Business Shuttles

Several health care providers in Austin and Round Rock provide transportation to and from appointments for specific procedures or services. Typically, these services are for day health programs, ophthalmology care and physical therapy programs. Contact your service provider to inquire about transportation.

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Information & Referral

Community Awareness

The United Way of the Capital Area manages the local Information and Referral service program. Call 211 to find out about services and providers in the local area.

The Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area provides information about senior services for recipients and caregivers.

Call: (512) 916-6062 or (800) 622-9111

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True/False Quiz Answers

So how well did you do? The following are answers to the Quiz questions found on page 1.

  1. F According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 75% of the people over age 65 have a valid driver's license, which makes it legally possible for them to drive their cars.
  2. F While some Dial-A-Ride services also function as ADA services (which have specific eligibility requirement) many Dial-a-Ride programs serve community residents regardless of health and disability status.
  3. F According to recent research, people age 70-75 have a life expectancy of at least 18 years. On average, they can expect to drive 11 of these years and depend on other transportation for the remainder of their lives.
  4. T According to the National Personal Transportation Survey 3% of the population uses public transportation.
  5. F Funding for public transit is provided from the US Department of Transportation and frequently matched by local communities. However, communities are not required to provide public transit.
  6. F The Internal Revenue Service exempts reimbursement for mileage to volunteer drivers as reportable taxable income.
  7. T Generally, a volunteer driver's insurance policy is the "first line of attack" in the event of a crash during the course of driving a person on a volunteer rather than a paid basis.
  8. T According to the US Department of Transportation adults age 65+ have the highest pedestrian death rate than any other age group, even children. The reason is that they are physically frail, which makes them more prone to a serious injury and more difficult for them to recover.
  9. T The 85+ population is expected to increase from 4.4 million in 2000 to 5.7 million by 2009, a 29.5% increase.
  10. F According to the Community Transit Association of America, while 30% of the population resides in rural America, only 6% of the federal transportation dollars are allocated to rural communities.

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Supplemental Senior Transportation

For more information about nation-wide Supplemental Transportation Programs for seniors (STPs) and resource products, please visit the Beverly Foundation online at:

www.beverlyfoundation.org

For additional older adult and caregiver transportation resource materials, please visit the Easter Seals Foundation online at:

www.easter-seals.org/ntl_trans_care

For additional resource materials, please visit the American Automobile Association Foundation for Traffic Safety online at:

www.aaafoundation.org

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Questions/comments concerning this page,
EMail: austexal@austin.rr.com