Weezee, there was a recent post by someone in NY asking a similar question. For some strange reason, when I search for similar posts here, the returned hits are on barely relevant subjects. And now I can't even find that specific post.
There's a small bus, or dial-a-ride, point-to-point transportation service in many metropolitan areas, as well as private much more expensive point-to-point transportation as well.
You might have to do some research, but Google NYC, Bronx or Yonkers public transportation, and from their websites, check to see if they have the small bus, dial-a-ride or other point-to-point services.
In my area, this kind of service transports seniors directly from their home to a given place within a 10 mile radius, for $1.00 one way. Private medical transport vans run in the $30 to $40 per hour range and generally charge waiting time to remain there during the appointment(s).
Another option is to contact the local Area Agency on Aging and ask about point-to-point transportation service for the disabled.
Or contact the senior citizen centers in either or both Yonkers and the Bronx. If your friends are going to a hospital, call the hospital, ask to speak with a social worker, and inquire whether the hospital has any recommendations, or even if it has its own transportation service. I doubt if it does, but it doesn't hurt to ask.
Hopefully others in NY will offer their suggestions, as they're more familiar with NY than I am.
You may want to try contacting some local churches or community organizations. Some have names of people who are willing to transport others to appointments and so forth for a reasonable charge. They need the small income to add to their Social Security or other income. You'd have to give them a trial to see how you like their driving.
When i'm stuck on questions like this, i start with the local library. The "Research/Information Desk" is invaluable in finding solutions to problems, and they are exceedingly knowledgable about the services available locally, or others that might be available if you cross counties or jurisdictions. Area on Aging is an excellent resource. Also - perhaps you can try the county's Senior Services [if you don't have their phone number, just ask the librarian, or call City Hall ... perhaps City Hall has a suggestion, too]. Here, there is [with a doctor's authorization of need] a SEMTA bus will pick up someone from their home, and deliver/pick them up from their appointment. Sometimes there is a mandatory window of time .. you may find yourself waiting for a few hours to be picked up. In this city, for senior transportation services only within the city, it's provided by the Parks and Recreation Dept. If you have a special needs [wheelchair, oxygen, etc] please relay the needs to ensure their vehicle can accommodate your friends' needs. Since this is an increasing problem [i am forced to take taxi cabs because i can't drive after anesthesia and it's over county lines by 1 mile], we'd all appreciate learning your findings. Thank you.
oops - clarification: "Sometimes there is a mandatory window of time .. you may find yourself waiting for a few hours ..... from the doctor's office .... to be picked up ... for the ride home. (sorry)
Besides the idea of a taxi cab, you may try one of two other options such as the Council on aging in your area or see if the couples insurance provides rides for doctor visits. If they happen to be on Medicaid for instance, there are different programs under it that provide transportation. The one I'm currently on for instance requires that you schedule your rides at least two days in advance of your appointment. If by chance your ride gets turned back, Meaning canceled by the ride company, you can have them call your doctor so that it doesn't count against you with your doctors office. Another thing you can do it the right gets turned back is to call the members matters department to report the cancellation. This is especially helpful when you have important enough matters to deal with in the doctors office. Let's say you're dealing with a heart condition and your ride gets turned back and you don't get to see your doctor for let's say two more months because of your right getting turned back. This is where the members mattress department comes in handy. It really does pay to have an insurance company such as Medicaid that provides transportation when you have no other way to get to and from your doctor. If the doctor is not that far away and a couple can get themselves mobility scooters, that would definitely give them independence. If they can't get scooters or power chairs through their doctors, there's always private owners with those items for sale, allowing people to get them secondhanded. In fact, there are an awful lot of people doing this simply because they cannot get well needed power chairs and scooter through their insurance when insurance has lots of red tape to get those items. That's why many people who really need scooters and power chairs can't even get them and they will look elsewhere to meet that need.
There's a small bus, or dial-a-ride, point-to-point transportation service in many metropolitan areas, as well as private much more expensive point-to-point transportation as well.
You might have to do some research, but Google NYC, Bronx or Yonkers public transportation, and from their websites, check to see if they have the small bus, dial-a-ride or other point-to-point services.
In my area, this kind of service transports seniors directly from their home to a given place within a 10 mile radius, for $1.00 one way. Private medical transport vans run in the $30 to $40 per hour range and generally charge waiting time to remain there during the appointment(s).
Another option is to contact the local Area Agency on Aging and ask about point-to-point transportation service for the disabled.
Or contact the senior citizen centers in either or both Yonkers and the Bronx.
If your friends are going to a hospital, call the hospital, ask to speak with a social worker, and inquire whether the hospital has any recommendations, or even if it has its own transportation service. I doubt if it does, but it doesn't hurt to ask.
Hopefully others in NY will offer their suggestions, as they're more familiar with NY than I am.