Travel the Road to Independence: Helping Seniors with Transportation Needs

Joanne Leahy, Senior Services Transportation Program

Along with affordable housing and in-home assistance, transportation is one of the most important issues challenging older adults and adults with disabilities living in King County. For many seniors, a few miles may seem like a thousand when they are faced with a lack of transportation. Senior Services’ Senior Shuttle program offers a wonderful solution.

What is the Senior Shuttle Program?

Formed in 1997, the Senior Shuttle Program offers seniors and people with disabilities an opportunity to socialize and stay active within their communities by providing safe and friendly transportation to doctor’s appointments, grocery stores, hot meal programs, senior centers, and other local destinations. Employing 16 vans, our helpful drivers provide personalized door-to-door van service in many communities throughout King County. The vans are lift-equipped for people who have difficulty using stairs or who use a mobility aid.

Who can ride the Senior Shuttles?

• People with disabilities
• Seniors 55 or better
• Customers must live in the service area

Planning a trip

• Sign up by phone—no forms to fill out
• Rides are provided on a first-come, first-served basis
• Same day service provided if space is available
• Customers may call up to 30 days in advance
• There is no charge for our service, but donations are welcome
• Service Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday

Committed to providing seniors with transportation options that maximize independence and provide access to the full range of activities that contribute to an enhanced quality of life, the Senior Shuttles drove 208,377 miles in 2007, representing 53,031 one-way trips. If you need a ride for local errands or know a senior who has given up driving, please call the Senior Shuttles at (206) 727-6262 or (800) 282-5815 to see if we can help.

Senior Services currently offers Senior Shuttle service in the following areas:

• Des Moines/Normandy Park
• Shoreline/Lake Forest Park
• Greater Burien area
• Snoqualmie Valley
• Beacon Hill
• Central Seattle, including First Hill, Capital Hill, Central Area and the International District

We also transport seniors to ethnic meal programs supported by Aging and Disability Services, including Laotian, Hmong, Filipino, Polynesian, Korean and Hispanic lunch programs at various senior community centers throughout King County.

What some of our customers are saying….

“I’m glad this service is offered because I can now go out. I don’t know what I would do without it!”

“The drivers are prompt, courteous and cheerful and develop friendly, professional relationships with their riders.”