More and more Americans over the age of 65 are choosing to age independently in place for as long as possible, including many in the greater Birmingham area. But when a senior loses their driving privileges and still needs to get around the city, it presents unique logistical challenges that can ultimately affect their health and wellbeing. If you’re currently trying to help an elderly loved one in Birmingham find safe and reliable transportation, here are some of the more affordable options that are available.

Active Seniors Are Usually Healthier

Numerous studies have found that seniors who stay active and socially engaged thanks to reliable transportation not only enjoy a higher quality of life, they also tend to live longer. On the other hand, elderly individuals that lack access to affordable forms of transportation are placed at higher risk for:

  • A medical crisis that requires emergency treatment or hospitalization
  • Having to choose between paying for food and medicine versus seeing their doctor
  • Social isolation, depression and suicidal tendencies
  • A lower quality of life

In general, older adults without reliable transportation oftentimes lose their freedom and independence more quickly than seniors who can get around. As a result, many end up living out the remainder of their lives in a long-term care facility or relative’s home.

Transportation Services for Birmingham Seniors

Here are some of the safer and more affordable transportation services that are available to seniors living in the Birmingham area:

Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA)

The BJCTA provides fixed bus route services that cover a 200 square mile radius in and around Birmingham. Riders aged 62-and-over can purchase reduced-rate passes, which are .75 one way or $2.00 for all day. Note that seniors that use a wheelchair or who have a disability that otherwise limits mobility may want to consider another option. For more information about BJCTA’s bus services, visit: www.maxtransit.org.

ClasTran

The Birmingham Regional Paratransit Consortium (ClasTran) is a nonprofit company that provides specialized transportation (paratransit) services for those with disabilities living in the Birmingham area. ClasTran vehicles are equipped to transport persons aged 60-and-over, as well as younger riders that qualify for paratransit under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). All rides are subsidized, and the cost is $4.00 for one-way travel or $8.00 per round trip. ClasTran’s wheelchair-accessible vehicles can also transport:

  • Three-wheeled scooters that are regulation-compliant
  • Service animals like guide dogs
  • Life-support equipment including respirators and portable oxygen tanks

You can make a next day ClasTran reservation before 11 A.M. and tickets can be purchased by mail, in person or by phone at (205) 325-8787. For more information, visit: www.clastran.com.

Travelers Aid Birmingham

Travelers Aid of Greater Birmingham (TAGB) is an organization that provides free transportation services for low-income seniors so that they can get to their medical appointments. According to their website, TAGB’s Senior Ride Program exists to connect low-income elderly individuals with medical care providers so that they can remain independent and enjoy a higher quality of life. Certain income requirements must be met, so for more information visit: www.travelersaidbirmingham.com.

Uber and Lyft

Ride-sharing transportation services for people of all ages are available in Birmingham thanks to Uber and Lyft. If that sounds like a viable option for your loved one, you can download the Uber or Lyft app to their smartphone so they can schedule rides whenever they’re needed. What’s nice about these ride-sharing services is that they will send a picture of the driver to the rider’s phone prior to arrival, along with the fact they conduct criminal and driving background checks on their drivers beforehand.

Your Senior Transportation Specialists in AL

Finding safe and reliable transportation for an independent senior in Birmingham can be frustrating and stressful. Restore your peace of mind today by contacting Seniors Prefer Homecare. We are a fully licensed and insured home care agency that provides dependable senior transportation services delivered by specialists that are carefully screened in advance. In addition to transportation, our highly qualified caregivers can also perform in-home duties like light housework, personal hygiene, meals, medication reminders and companionship.

Not only are all our family trusted services designed to keep seniors aging safely and comfortably in place right where they want to be, we can also personalize an affordable care program based on your loved one’s individual needs! To learn more about Seniors Prefer Homecare now, or to schedule a FREE in-home consultation for a senior in Tuscaloosa or Huntsville, AL, today, please visit us at: www.seniorspreferhomecare.com.