Transportation Resources for Seniors in Delaware
February 11, 2025
Delaware provides a variety of transportation resources for seniors, ensuring accessible and affordable mobility. DART First State offers paratransit services and the Senior Citizens Affordable Taxi (SCAT) program, providing door-to-door rides and reduced fares. Eligible seniors aged 65+ and individuals with disabilities can benefit from these services. Additional resources include Handiride Service, Uni-City, and local community centers offering shared rides and specialized transportation. These services cater to diverse needs, with flexible scheduling and reduced costs. For detailed information on eligibility, service areas, and costs, exploring the available transportation options further can provide a thorough understanding.
Key Takeaways
- DART First State: Offers paratransit services and reduced fares on fixed route buses for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
- Senior Citizens Taxi (SCAT) Program: Provides a 50% discount on taxi fares for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
- Delaware 211: Offers information and referrals for various transportation services in Delaware, including those for seniors.
- Handiride Service: Provides specialized transportation at reduced costs for eligible seniors and individuals with disabilities in New Castle County and parts of Kent and Sussex Counties.
- Local Community Centers: Offer tailored transportation services for local seniors, such as Lewes Senior Activity Center and CHEER Transportation in Sussex County.
Transportation Services Overview
Transportation services for seniors encompass a wide range of options designed to cater to their specific mobility needs. DART First State offers various specialized transportation services, including paratransit services for individuals with disabilities who cannot use fixed bus routes. Reservations for these services are required at least one day in advance. Additionally, the Senior Citizens Taxi (SCAT) program provides a 50% discount on taxi fares for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
Elderly and disabled individuals also benefit from reduced fares on fixed route bus services, which are approximately 40% of full price fares, or 30% with a DARTCard. Moreover, individuals who are blind ride free on DART services. All DART buses are wheelchair accessible, ensuring accessibility for all users. Detailed information on these services, including eligibility and application processes, can be found on the DART First State website or by contacting them at 800.553.3278. Delaware 211 also provides information and referrals for various transportation services in Delaware.
DART First State further supports employment through its Welfare-to-Work Transportation Programs, offering free transportation to job interviews and for the first three weeks on a job, along with reduced-fare cab and van services and carpool-matching services.
In Pennsylvania, seniors aged 65 and older can utilize the Senior Shared Ride Program, which allows them to pay only 15% of the reduced shared ride fares, with the remaining 85% funded by the PA Lottery.
Eligibility and Accessibility
Eligibility for specialized transportation services in Delaware is determined by specific criteria, guaranteeing that seniors and individuals with disabilities have access to necessary mobility options. Seniors aged 65 years or older and individuals with disabilities are eligible for these services. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), there are three categories for eligibility: inability to get on or off a bus independently due to a physical or mental impairment, need for wheelchair lift or boarding assistance, and impairment-related conditions preventing travel to or from a bus stop.
The application process involves completing Part A of the application and, for seniors, sending age verification documents such as a driver's license or birth certificate. For individuals with disabilities, a healthcare professional must complete Part B to validate disability claims. Applications can be requested by calling 800.553.3278 or downloaded from the DART First State website and submitted to DART First State – ADA Eligibility, 900 Public Safety Blvd, Dover, DE 19901.
Specialized transportation options include Paratransit and Senior Citizens Affordable Taxi (SCAT) services, which offer door-to-door rides and reduced fares for eligible individuals. These services aim to guarantee access to health and medical care for transportation-disadvantaged seniors. DART First State's paratransit services are provided without regard to customers' proximity to fixed bus routes, ensuring broader accessibility for those in needbroader accessibility. Local transportation services, such as CHEER, emphasize the importance of reliable transportation in maintaining seniors' independence and quality of life.
The application process and eligibility criteria ensure that seniors and individuals with disabilities have access to necessary transportation services, supporting their overall well-being and participation in community activities.
Service Areas and Hours
Covering various regions across Delaware, senior transportation services are designed to meet the diverse needs of the elderly and individuals with disabilities. These services are provided by different organizations, each serving specific areas.
Lewes Senior Activity Center serves parts of Lewes, Rehoboth, and Milton, offering transportation for medical appointments, grocery shopping, and other errands. Their operating hours are from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday. A suggested donation of $5 is requested for rides other than to the Center. Rides must be scheduled at least 48 hours in advance.
Cheer Transportation operates in Sussex County, covering areas such as Bridgeville, Greenwood, and Laurel Senior Centers. They provide transportation to Senior Centers, nutrition sites, and for recreational activities.
Handiride Service serves New Castle County and parts of Kent and Sussex Counties. Their operating hours vary by county: New Castle County operates from 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM, Monday through Friday, and 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM on Saturday, while Kent and Sussex Counties operate from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with no Saturday service. Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance for Handiride Service. DART offers reduced fares to seniors and disabled individuals with required identification.
DART First State provides a statewide network of transportation options, including fixed route services that cater to the needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Scheduling and Reservations
Scheduling and reservations for senior transportation services in Delaware require careful planning and advance notice. For most services, reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance, with some services allowing up to two weeks' notice. The Lewes Senior Activity Center (LSAC), for example, requires 48 hours' notice and can be contacted at 302-645-9293 to schedule rides. Medical appointments are given priority over non-medical rides, and cancellations must be made as far in advance as possible to avoid temporary loss of ride privileges.
When making a reservation, it is crucial to provide detailed information, including name, pickup address, time, destination, and any special needs. Some services offer flexible scheduling for round-trip and multi-stop rides, but capacity and ride-sharing constraints may limit flexibility. Additionally, shared ride services may take longer than private transportation, and appointment times may need to be adjusted to guarantee on-time arrival for all riders. Online resources such as Delaware 211 and the Eldercare Locator can help identify local transportation resources and provide assistance with scheduling.
DART First State offers a variety of transportation services, including Paratransit Services for individuals with disabilities who are unable to access fixed bus routes.
Costs and Donations
Senior transportation in Delaware County offers reduced fare options through the Senior Shared Ride Program, where seniors 65 and older pay 15% of the cost unless sponsored, with typical fares ranging from $4.25 to $4.35 for one-way trips. Funds from the Pennsylvania Lottery cover 85% of trip fares through a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, making this service more affordable. Additionally, seniors who live in specific areas or belong to Senior Centers may receive further discounted rates, enhancing accessibility to essential transportation services. The average starting rate for senior transportation in Newark, DE is $20.19 per hour.
Reduced Fare Options
Delaware County offers an extensive reduced fare transportation program for seniors, designed to provide affordable and accessible transportation options. Eligible residents 65 or older can participate in the Senior Shared Ride Program, which provides door-to-door service if necessary and requested in advance. Trips must originate within Delaware County, with limited out of county trips available. Membership in DELGO Community Transit is required but is free.
Seniors pay 15% of the cost, with the Pennsylvania Lottery covering 85%. Typical fares are approximately $4.35, with discounts available for seniors living in certain areas or belonging to specific centers. Assistants accompanying seniors receive a discounted fee of $10 for out of county trips, while escort fares are $5.00 one-way within Delaware County or $10.00 one-way into or out of surrounding counties.
Service operates Monday through Sunday, 4 a.m. to 11 p.m., including holidays. Payment methods include exact change in cash or personal checks, with no credit cards or advance payments accepted. Inclement weather may result in service suspension, with automated notifications provided. This program guarantees seniors have reliable and affordable transportation for various activities, enhancing their independence and quality of life.
In contrast, the average starting cost of senior transportation in Wilmington, DE is $19.97 per hour.
Donation and Payment**
Understanding the cost structure and payment methods is essential for seniors to effectively utilize the transportation resources available in Delaware County. The Senior Shared Ride Program offers reduced fares for seniors aged 65 and older, with costs based on distance traveled. Trips up to 2.99 miles cost $5.10, while trips between 3-5.99 miles cost $6.65, and trips between 6-9.99 miles cost $8.40. The Pennsylvania Lottery pays 85% of trip costs through a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, with seniors paying 15% of the reduced shared ride fare.
Payment methods include cash in exact change and personal checks, which are accepted directly by the driver upon boarding the vehicle. Credit cards and advance payments are not accepted. Additional fees may apply for out-of-county trips and for escorts accompanying seniors. Door-to-door service is available upon request and may be necessary for some trips. Basic service is from the curb of the pickup location to the curb of the destination. The program does not provide information on donations or tipping/gratuities.
Additional Transportation Resources
Numerous additional transportation resources are available to support seniors and individuals with disabilities in Delaware. These services cater to various needs, guaranteeing accessible and affordable transportation options.
Additional Transportation Resources
- DART First State: Offers reduced fares for seniors and disabled individuals, along with specialized paratransit services.
- Handiride Service: Provides specialized transportation at reduced cost for disabled individuals and senior citizens through the Delaware Department of Transportation.
- Uni-City: Offers free transportation services in the University/Newark area.
- SCAT – Senior Citizens Affordable Taxi: Provides a 50% discount on taxi fares for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
Transportation Services Overview
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| DART First State | Reduced fares for seniors and disabled individuals, paratransit services |
| Handiride Service | Specialized transportation at reduced cost for disabled and senior citizens |
| Uni-City | Free transportation in the University/Newark area |
| SCAT | 50% discount on taxi fares for seniors and disabled individuals |
| Delaware Disability Hub | Resources and information for transportation services including DART and Paratransit |
These resources guarantee that seniors and individuals with disabilities have access to reliable and affordable transportation options in Delaware. The SCAT program requires certification and verification of age and/or disability for eligibility. Similar to Delaware's resources, Florissant's F.L.E.R.T. BUS provides free curb-to-curb transportation for seniors within the city limits, emphasizing the importance of accessible transportation services for seniors nationwide.
Specialized Transportation Programs**
Specialized transportation programs play a vital role in ensuring that seniors and individuals with disabilities in Delaware have access to reliable and affordable transportation options tailored to their specific needs. These programs address the unique challenges faced by seniors who may have physical, cognitive, or safety concerns that prevent them from driving.
Key features of specialized transportation programs in Delaware include:
- Shared Ride Programs: DELGO Community Transit offers reduced fare transportation for seniors willing to share trips within Delaware County and limited out-of-county trips, with 15% fare covered by the rider and 85% by PA Lottery funds.
- Lewes Senior Activity Center (LSAC) Transportation: Provides shared-ride transportation for medical appointments, grocery shopping, and other errands for LSAC members, operating Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 3:30 pm.
- DART and Handiride Services: Offer specialized transportation at reduced costs for seniors and disabled individuals, with eligibility determined by an agency or physician.
- Community and Senior Center Transportation: Services like Lewes Senior Activity Center provide shared-ride transportation for various needs, including medical appointments, tailored to support local seniors with specified hours and service areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Find Local Transportation Services Tailored to My Specific Needs?
To find local transportation services tailored to your specific needs, research local transit agencies, senior centers, and non-profit organizations offering specialized services such as reduced fares, paratransit, and shared ride programs for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Can I Bring a Companion or Caregiver With Me on These Transportation Services?
Maneuvering transportation services with a companion or caregiver can be a seamless journey. Generally, paratransit services allow one companion to accompany eligible riders, paying the same fare, while personal care attendants ride for free, provided their necessity is documented during the application process.
What Documentation Is Required to Prove My Age or Disability Status?
To prove age, provide a copy of your driver's license, birth certificate, state ID with date of birth, passport, or social security card. For disability status, complete Part A and Part B of the DART First State application form, signed by a healthcare professional, along with medical documentation verifying the disability.
How Do I File a Complaint or Report an Issue With a Transportation Service?
To file a complaint with DRPA/PATCO, complete their Suggestions/Comments/Complaints form and forward it to the Office of General Counsel (OGC) at One Port Center. Alternatively, complaints can be filed with the Federal Transit Administration's Office of Civil Rights.
Are There Any Additional Resources for Seniors With Limited Mobility or Special Needs?
Imagine a world where mobility is a distant dream, and then, suddenly, a fleet of accessible buses appears. DART First State offers specialized transit programs, including Handiride Service, with reduced fares for seniors and disabled individuals.