Skip to main content

    Rideshare Alternatives

    Beyond Uber + family.

    Free + low-cost senior rides

    • Medicare Advantage NEMT — many plans cover 12-30 free medical rides/year.
    • Medicaid NEMT — non-emergency medical transportation, free for eligible.
    • Local senior center shuttle — many run free to grocery, doctor, mall.
    • Local Area Agency on Aging — knows free programs locally.
    • Paratransit (ADA) — same price as bus for those with disabilities. Federal law required.
    • Faith in Action volunteer drivers — free for non-tech seniors.
    • VA medical transport — free for veterans.

    Senior-specific rideshare

    • GoGoGrandparent — call 1-800 number, they book Uber. No smartphone needed.
    • SilverRide — driver helps with walker, groceries.
    • Envoy America — premium senior driver service.
    • Lyft Concierge — family books rides for you.
    • Local "ITN" (Independent Transportation Network) — non-profit member rides for low fees.

    Public transit perks

    • Most US transit gives 50% off for seniors.
    • Some cities — completely free for 65+ (NYC, Boston).
    • Transit apps make it manageable: Apple Maps, Google Maps, Transit app, Moovit.
    • Real-time bus arrival = no waiting in cold.

    Schedule-ahead rides

    • Uber + Lyft both let you schedule 30 days ahead.
    • Reduces last-minute stress.
    • Doctor appointments — schedule both directions a week ahead.
    • Costco runs — pick a time, save day-of stress.
    • Set up favorite places in app for quick re-booking.

    Mix + match

    Best senior-mobility plan: Medicare ride for medical + paratransit for big errands + Uber/Lyft for spontaneous + family for emergencies + senior center shuttle for routine. No single solution covers everything. Build a 3-4 option toolkit.