Transportation Options for Seniors Who Have Given Up Driving

One of the biggest reasons seniors don’t want to give up the car keys is because it represents a loss of freedom—freedom to go anywhere at any time. But there are several transportation options available if and when you do decide to stop driving.

Buses and Light Rail

Everett Transit operates 46 fixed bus routes daily within the city limits. Seniors and disabled passengers ride free. The agency runs a paratransit service, which is available to disabled persons who are unable to ride regular buses. The cost of this service is $1.00.  You must apply for the program in advance (the application process is usually completed within 21 days) and rides are pre-scheduled.

Community Transit currently operates 62 buses daily throughout Snohomish County, plus two buses to Seattle during peak hours on weekdays. Fares within the Snohomish area are 50 cents for seniors, disabled, and Medicaid-eligible passengers; rides to King County cost about twice that. The agency also offers an appointment-only paratransit service called DART (Dial-a-Ride-Transit), and fares are $1.50 for all trips. Rapid transit buses, known as SWIFT buses, use existing lanes and priority signals to travel along a 17-mile route from Everett Station to Aurora Village. SWIFT buses depart every 10 minutes on weekdays and every 20 minutes on weekends. They provide excellent access for disabled riders. Fares for seniors and the disabled are 50 cents within Everett, and slightly more to east of Everett or south to King County. For more fast options, Sound Transit’s express buses and Sounder commuter trains operate schedules within Snohomish, King, and Pierce counties.

Due to the economic recession, the Community Transit board recently voted to reduce service on certain bus and DART routes, especially on Sundays and holidays, and to raise fares slightly, starting June 1. However, the board hopes to reinstate routes and previous fares as soon as possible.
 
New Payment Option

You can always pay cash for single trips, but the easiest way to pay for rides on public transit is with the new ORCA card. You can load as much as $300 onto the card in advance, which is very efficient if you plan to take transit often. The ORCA card is a “smart card” that is similar to the cards used at certain grocery stores and retail establshments. Instead of swiping the card, you would tap it against the fare reader upon entry. There are ORCA kiosks at all Sounder stations and some retail outlets. You can also order your card online or by phone. 

Alternate, Specialized Services

Vanpools are a popular choice for riders who want to share a vehicle to get to a specific destination. A vanpool is a group of 5-15 people who ride together in a van provided by Community Transit, traveling anywhere within Snohomish County. The schedules are set by the riders, and fares are based on the size of the van and the daily round-trip mileage. Vanpool rates and schedules will not be affected by the aforementioned changes to bus service.

A Snohomish County organization called SNOTRAC coordinates services for those unable to transport themselves due to disability, age, location, or income. SNOTRAC works with human service agencies, school districts, and advocacy groups to assist people who are not familiar with riding public transportation, and to fill in the gaps for those who need transport that’s not offered through traditional public systems. It includes two notable programs for rural residents: 

• The subsidized “Pay Your Pal” program, which reimburses a designated driver of your choosing who takes you to work, appointments, or errands.

• A paratransit service known as TAP (Transportation Assistance Program), which is operated by Senior Services of Snohomish County. TAP riders are picked up at their door and either travel directly to their destination, or are transferred to DART or Everett Paratransit, once inside city limits.

Medicaid Transportation is available for Medicaid recipients who need to get to medical services and appointments, and Catholic Community Services engages volunteers to provide limited transportation to medical appointments.

If you are new to riding public transportation, “Ride Around the Sound” (offered monthly) helps get you acclimated by pairing you up with an experienced rider for a tour of fun locations around the Puget Sound. It’s a great way to see new places throughout the area and make friends at the same time.

Lastly, it’s important to note that assisted living facilities and retirement homes provide van and bus service to their residents.

The Puget Sound region is known for offering some of the best transportation services in the country. A few (like the paratranist services) require a little advance planning, but considering the variety of options available to you, getting around the sound and points in between should be fairly easy.

Author: Michele Horwitz