After researching our area, I find that Uber, Lyft and various non-emergency transport companies will handle all transport including his mobility scooter. I am able to use the regular bus system for myself and two weeks ago used Uber for the first time; I am 67 and he is 79. Spouse has a scooter for short errands around the neighborhood and it's 1.5 miles to the nearest large grocery and 1 mile to the nearest convenience store from the house. The VA takes him door to door for all appointments.
He handled no longer driving for himself in March 2020 better than anticipated; his hand tremors are worse along with vision and physical strength. I did get a scare when I was ill some weeks ago and he proposed driving, and he pulled himself back from actually attempting; luckily, I've been able to scare up a driver for each time. I can't depend on that always happening. Another factor is that my night blindness is worse.
Not including gasoline expenses, the 1995 car accrued $3700 in repairs, insurance and oil changes from Jan. 2020 to July 2021 and it's currently in the repair shop; its Blue Book value is $250! I'm ready to let others take over transport. It's not like we live in a rural area because the suburbs have great support for elders' transport.
Spouse has mentioned how we /must/ have a car. I do understand because a measure of independence will go when the car goes. What I'm hoping for in this post are ways to broach the subject; I certainly don't expect the situation will be easy to get used to for him or for me.
1. Uber and Lyft have premium prices at rush hour, best prices from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; their "window" is generally 1/2 hour. Thus far, they do not transport scooters.
2. The county van transports scooters, operates daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with 48 hours' leadtime recommended to book rides. Saturdays mean many folks use the service, especially around 4 p.m., which means you may not be able to book; not yet tried on a Sunday.
3. The scooter goes 1 mile to the dentist and 1.5 miles to the nearest large grocery store; I ride my bicycle beside Spouse.
4. The VA handles door to door transport to all medical appointments.
5. The regular bus that stops one block from home is something that I use to some places, which requires planning as to time; it's worked out okay thus far.
It's been a time of transition, difficult as they all are, but I think the worst is over.