Transportation is one of the most significant issues older people have to deal with if they are no longer driving. At Cotton’s Point Senior Apartments in San Clemente, CA, residents filled the community room to find out which mode of transportation would be economical, safe, and convenient to use. Francisco, presenter from Western Youth Services, came with information about resources and answered questions. The biggest struggle for residents is to find the right resource to meet his/her own needs while working with a limited budget. Medical appointments and getting groceries are two of the most important needs for the residents. The list below applies to Orange County, CA, but you probably will find similar options in your area.
Local Transportation Options
Lyft – “Today, we’re proud to launch an historic partnership with the City of San Clemente, ensuring uninterrupted transportation access for San Clemente residents in neighborhoods previously served by the 191 and 193 Orange County Transportation Authority bus routes. Our on-demand ridesharing service offers convenience and efficiency in areas where traditional buses have long been a challenge for residents and transit agencies alike. We are proud to be the City’s official ridesharing partner, and to make getting around the city quickly and affordably without a car a reality for residents.”
OCTA – Orange County Transportation Association offers limited routes for Cotton’s Point. OCTA dropped two routes, which affect residents. Lyft is offering a discounted service to compensate for the OCTA challenge.
ACCESS – “OC ACCESS, formally known as OCTA ACCESS, is shared-ride service for people who are unable to use the regular, fixed-route OC Bus service because of functional limitations caused by a disability. These passengers must be certified by OCTA to use the OC ACCESS system by meeting the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) eligibility criteria.” Applications need to be brought to Santa Ana to be reviewed with an onsite interview to check for eligibility.
Age Well Senior Services – “Age Well Senior Services’ Non-Emergency Medical Transportation program provides seniors with transportation to their non-emergency medical appointments including therapy, dentistry, hearing, dialysis, prescription pick-ups, testing and x-rays. Professionally trained drivers provide transportation on our modern fleet of accessible buses and vans.” There is a waiting list for this service.
~ Jennifer Fallon, Program Director
