Other transportation systems have developed training programs that work with elderly persons to make them feel more comfortable using public transportation. These programs provide trainers who spend up to a few weeks with each older person practicing getting on and off buses and working out appropriate routes and schedules. In addition, they also can supply an elderly person with a mentor to travel along until the person feels secure enough to go it alone. In less frequent cases, paratransit systems will let elderly citizens who do not officially qualify for rides use the system on a space-available basis.
Given the growing need for services to transport elderly citizens who do not have serious medical needs, but still need extra assistance during a trip, public transportation is looking to the private sector to ease the burden. There are many quasi-private organizations that do not charge much for rides, but that operate only during limited hours. Sometimes they work in conjunction with the paratransit system. Because private organizations partially run these arrangements, the specific details of these systems differ vastly in various cities. Usually, these systems provide much the same service as paratransit systems, but do not have as strict eligibility requirements and their service capabilities are more limited.
Other highly valuable resources that senior citizens should look to for their transportation needs are local senior and social service centers. These organizations frequently arrange group trips to such places as grocery stores, libraries and medical facilities. Although they don't provide the same flexibility as paratransit and public systems, they can eliminate a significant amount of hassle. If you are willing to go to the grocery store on a fixed day at a fixed hour (for example, Wednesday mornings at 10:00 am), you will find that you can go with a group of peers in an environment that is sensitive to your individual needs.
When comparing the characteristics of these systems, it is important to remember that drivers holding commercial driver's licenses must undergo drug and alcohol testing. In addition, be sure to inquire as to whether the drivers have passenger assistance training. Such subtleties can help identify the system that best meets the needs of someone no longer able to drive.