Transportation Services for Seniors Who No Longer Drive
Maintaining independence, accessing healthcare, and staying socially connected without a car. Comprehensive guide to transportation options, costs, and resources available to Colorado seniors.
Why Transportation Is Critical for Seniors
Losing the ability to drive doesn't mean losing independence. Reliable transportation is essential for accessing medical appointments, picking up prescriptions, grocery shopping, attending social activities, and maintaining quality of life. Studies show that seniors without access to transportation experience higher rates of depression, social isolation, and missed medical appointments—all of which negatively impact health outcomes.
Fortunately, Colorado offers numerous transportation options specifically designed for older adults, from public transit discounts to volunteer driver programs. The key is understanding what's available, what it costs, and which option best fits your loved one's needs and abilities.
Types of Transportation Services
From public transit to private services, here are the main transportation options available to seniors in Colorado.
Fixed-route bus and light rail services available in Denver metro area and many Colorado cities. Ideal for seniors who are mobile, cognitively sharp, and comfortable navigating routes independently.
Best For:
- Active seniors who can walk to bus stops
- Regular, predictable trips (grocery shopping, appointments)
- Budget-conscious seniors
Colorado Costs:
RTD (Denver): Seniors 65+ ride for $1.15 per trip (reduced fare). Monthly pass: $46.
Other cities: Most offer 50% senior discounts. Check local transit authority.
How to Access:
Apply for senior discount card through RTD or local transit authority with proof of age (driver's license, ID, Medicare card).
Door-to-door or curb-to-curb service for seniors and individuals with disabilities who cannot use fixed-route public transit. Requires advance reservation (usually 1-3 days).
Best For:
- Seniors with mobility limitations (wheelchair, walker)
- Those who cannot navigate public transit independently
- Medical appointments, errands, social activities
Colorado Costs:
RTD Access-a-Ride: $2.60 per one-way trip (same as regular RTD fare).
Local programs: $2-5 per trip, depending on city/county.
How to Access:
Apply through RTD or local transit authority. Requires eligibility certification (functional assessment or doctor's letter). Approval process takes 21 days.
On-demand rides via smartphone app or phone call. GoGoGrandparent is specifically designed for seniors without smartphones—call a toll-free number to request Uber/Lyft rides.
Best For:
- Last-minute or spontaneous trips
- Seniors comfortable with technology (or using GoGoGrandparent)
- Areas not served by public transit
Colorado Costs:
Uber/Lyft: $8-20 per trip (varies by distance and time of day).
GoGoGrandparent: Uber/Lyft fare + $0.27/minute service fee.
How to Access:
Download Uber/Lyft app or call GoGoGrandparent at 1-855-464-6872. Family members can set up accounts and monitor rides remotely.
Free or low-cost rides provided by trained volunteers, typically for medical appointments and essential errands. Often run by nonprofits, faith-based organizations, or Area Agencies on Aging.
Best For:
- Low-income seniors who cannot afford other options
- Medical appointments (especially cancer treatment, dialysis)
- Seniors who value personal connection and companionship
Colorado Costs:
Most programs: Free or suggested donation ($5-10 per trip). Income-based eligibility may apply.
How to Access:
Contact your local Area Agency on Aging, senior center, or faith community. Requires advance scheduling (3-7 days).
Specialized transportation for medical appointments, often covered by Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, or provided by healthcare systems. Includes wheelchair-accessible vehicles and stretcher transport.
Best For:
- Seniors with Medicaid or Medicare Advantage plans
- Medical appointments only (not errands or social trips)
- Those requiring wheelchair or stretcher transport
Colorado Costs:
Medicaid: Free for eligible members (covers trips to/from Medicaid-covered services).
Medicare Advantage: Some plans offer limited free rides (check your plan).
Private pay: $50-150+ per trip for wheelchair transport.
How to Access:
Call your insurance plan's member services or ask your doctor's office to arrange transportation. Medicaid members: call IntelliRide at 1-844-358-5161.
For-profit companies specializing in senior transportation. Drivers are trained to assist with mobility aids, provide door-through-door service, and offer companionship during appointments.
Best For:
- Seniors needing extra assistance (walker, wheelchair)
- Those who want reliable, professional service
- Families willing to pay for peace of mind
Colorado Costs:
Typical rates: $35-75 per trip (varies by distance and service level). Some offer monthly packages or membership plans.
How to Access:
Search online for "senior transportation services" + your city. Examples: Envoy America, Seniors Ride, local home care agencies offering transportation.
Colorado Transportation Resources
State and local programs specifically serving Colorado seniors.
RTD Access-a-Ride
Paratransit service for eligible seniors and individuals with disabilities.
📞 303-299-6000 | rtd-denver.com
Denver Senior Ride Program
Subsidized taxi/rideshare vouchers for Denver residents 60+.
📞 720-913-9642
Colorado 2-1-1
Free referral service to find local transportation programs.
📞 Dial 2-1-1 or 1-866-760-6489
Area Agencies on Aging
Connect to volunteer driver programs and local resources.
📞 1-844-265-6648 | colorado.gov/aging
Mountain Metro Mobility
ADA paratransit service for eligible riders.
📞 719-385-7433
Silver Key Senior Services
Volunteer driver program for medical appointments and essential errands.
📞 719-884-2300
Transfort Dial-a-Ride
Curb-to-curb service for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
📞 970-221-6620
Neighbor to Neighbor
Volunteer transportation for medical appointments.
📞 970-484-7498
How to Choose the Right Transportation Option
Consider these factors when selecting transportation services for your loved one.
Can they walk to a bus stop? If yes, public transit may work. If no, consider paratransit or door-to-door services.
Can they navigate routes independently? If cognitive impairment is present, avoid public transit. Choose services with driver assistance.
Do they use a wheelchair or walker? Ensure the service offers accessible vehicles.
Daily trips: Public transit or monthly rideshare memberships are most cost-effective.
Weekly medical appointments: Paratransit, volunteer drivers, or Medicaid transportation.
Occasional errands: Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) or private senior transportation.
Limited income: Start with public transit discounts, volunteer programs, or Medicaid transportation (if eligible).
Medicare Advantage: Check if your plan includes transportation benefits (many offer 12-24 free rides/year).
VA benefits: Veterans may qualify for free transportation to VA medical appointments through the Beneficiary Travel program.
Driver training: Private senior transportation services and volunteer programs often provide drivers trained in senior care.
Tracking & accountability: Rideshare apps allow family members to monitor rides in real-time.
Backup plans: Have multiple options available in case one service is unavailable or unreliable.
Don't commit to one service immediately. Try 2-3 options to see which your loved one prefers. Comfort, ease of use, and driver friendliness matter as much as cost. A service they refuse to use is not a good solution, even if it's affordable.
- Always verify the driver: For rideshare, check the license plate, car make/model, and driver's name before getting in.
- Share trip details with family: Use rideshare app sharing features or call a family member with pickup/dropoff times.
- Carry a phone: Ensure your loved one has a charged cell phone or medical alert device with GPS.
- Keep emergency contacts handy: Wallet card with family phone numbers and medical information.
- Plan for weather: Colorado weather can change quickly. Ensure they have appropriate clothing and allow extra time.
Related Resources
Many independent living communities offer transportation services included in monthly fees.
Home care agencies often provide transportation as part of their companion care services.
Learn about Medicare Advantage plans that include transportation benefits.