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Transportation Services

Many older individuals continue to drive, and AARP provides older drivers with information that may make their driving safer. Thousands of older drivers have attended a program developed by AARP that helps older drivers improve their skills, while teaching them to avoid accidents and traffic violations. This program, 55 Alive, is provided throughout the state, usually at local senior centers. The web site will give you a list of locations near you offering the class or you may call 1-888-227-7669. If you or your loved one is still driving, this course is certainly worth taking.

When to Stop Driving
Giving up driving is generally equated with a loss of independence and you or your loved one may be resistant. Caregivers and other family members may put off discussing driving problems and allow their loved ones to remain behind the wheel, even though there are concerns about safety.

If you believe your loved one may be unsafe:

  • His or her physician can be helpful in assessing driving ability and can refer the driver to the Department of Motor Vehicles
  • This referral will initiate a process in which the Motor Vehicles' Medical Advisory Board will request information on the driver's medical condition.
  • A re-examination may be ordered to determine the driver's ability.
  • Often the person with difficulties chooses to stop driving, rather than risk failing the retest. It is often easier for a person to accept “giving up the keys” when he or she has made the decision to do so.

Getting from one place to another may become more difficult when one decides to stop driving. If an individual stops driving, he or she will need to find alternative methods of transportation. Some of the available options are listed below.

Public Transportation
The Maryland Transit Administration offers reduced fares and priority seating for older riders. In addition, nearly 60 percent of the MTA bus fleet is equipped with wheelchair lifts. If an older person cannot use the standard fixed routes, he or she may be eligible for the MTA's Mobility program. This paratransit system provides service to disabled individuals who cannot use regular bus, Metro subway, or light rail services.

Specialized Transportation
Some government agencies operate their own transportation systems for seniors. They may contract with private companies or purchase their own vehicles. These transportation systems may take seniors to the doctor's office, grocery store, senior center, bank, or hairdresser. The cost varies and some services require tickets to be purchased ahead of time.

  • The Anne Arundel County Department of Aging offers transportation services to individuals age 55 and over as well as younger disabled adults. Senior citizens can request transportation to senior centers, nutrition sites, medical appointments and other purposes.
  • In Baltimore County, CountyRide, a paratransit service operated by the Department of Aging, provides transportation to medical appointments and other destinations. Participants must be registered in the CountyRide program and make reservations in advance. There is a fee for this service.
  • You can contact the local Senior Information and Assistance Office in other counties and Baltimore City to inquire about specialized transportation for seniors in those areas.

Medical Assistance Transportation Program
If an individual receives Maryland Medical Assistance, he or she may be eligible to use the Medical Assistance (MA) Transportation Program to get to medical appointments that are covered by Medical Assistance, if he or she has no other means of transportation. A private transportation company operates the MA Transportation Program, with oversight provided by the local health department.

For more information about the MA Transportation Program in Baltimore County, the Health Department provides eligibility criteria and contact information on the  Baltimore County web site. The local Senior Information and Assistance Office in other counties and Baltimore City can provide the contact information for the MA Transportation Program operating in the area.