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Successful Aging - Archived Article
Getting There When You Don't Drive
Last week's article discussed several steps older drivers can take to stay sharp and keep driving safely as long as possible.
Suppose you find that you have tried all of those things, but you no longer feel secure about driving. Or perhaps you never have been a driver, and the person who used to get you where you needed to go cannot do it any longer.
What now? Must you stay at home except when family or friends offer to take you with them? Not at all!
Our area offers many transportation options. It may not be quite as easy as it was before, but with some planning and practice, there is no need to let life pass you by.
- The Broome County Department of Public Transportation (BC Transit) has an excellent system of "fixed route" buses-- the buses that travel a regular route through the city area. They have scheduled stops on many street corners. For easy boarding, they are all equipped with a lift or are built with a low floor and a ramp that can be extended to the street. This means that less mobile riders can easily enter and exit the buses. Rates are always reasonable, but are even lower during the "off peak" hours in the middle of the day.
- BC Transit also operates buses that serve the rural areas called BC Country. BC Country buses run in different areas of the county on regularly scheduled days and times. Riders must call ahead for a reservation. You will be picked up at the curb in front of your home. The cost for this service is also reasonable, with special rates available for handicapped individuals and senior citizens. Senior citizens may choose to make a contribution for their ride if they have an ID card from the Office for Aging. For information on the card, call OFA at 607.778.2411. To learn more about BC Country, call 607.763.4464.
- There are two paratransit services offering rides in town on accessible vans to those who qualify. You must call in advance to reserve a ride, and rides are scheduled on a first come, first served basis.
- BC Lift provides service to handicapped riders of any age. Riders must have their doctor fill out a form and get a special card. There is a charge for this service. Call BC Transit at 607.763.4464 for more information.
- Office for Aging cooperates with BC Transit to give rides to people 60 years of age and over. You must get an ID card from Office for Aging. Riders are asked to contribute toward the cost of the ride. Learn more by calling 607.778.2411.
Possibly, one service alone will not be able to meet all of your needs. Here are some other ideas to consider:
You may be able to get rides from family members and friends. With the cost of gasoline, people will be more likely to offer a ride, especially if they have to go out of their way, if you offer to pay something toward the cost of gasoline.
If you still own a car, hire someone to drive you in your car. If you do not know how to find a driver, call the Office for Aging and ask to speak to someone on the Senior Resource Line. They may be able to give you some ideas.
Other services to keep in mind are the many taxi, limousine and "medi-van" services in the area. All provide a valuable service. Check the telephone book for phone numbers and call the companies to find out about their prices and the services they provide. Ask people you know and trust what they have heard about each service.
Maybe you think that paying someone to transport you is only for the rich. But consider this: owning a car is quite expensive. If you are no longer paying for car insurance, maintenance, repairs, gas and oil, or even a loan payment, you can use some of the money you are saving to buy the services that will meet your needs.