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.
I don’t blame you for not wanting to invest more money into an old car. Best wishes to you and your husband.
I started ordering things on-line so I wouldn't need to fight the traffic. I already had been using curb-side pick-up for my on-line groceries for many years and the store is just around the corner.
Many of us have found we don't enjoy driving like we use to. I try to avoid high speed roads and try to use only residential streets where the mph is 25 or 35, more my comfort zone. Gone are the days of going 65 mph and liking it.
It's great that you were able to find other way for transportation. That is a big help. I remember one time my folks were curious where the local mini-bus went on its route, so we took the bus one day.
If the local bus takes scooters, that would be a marvelous accommodation. I've ridden the buses many times and have seen power chairs, regular wheelchairs but not scooters.