Transportation options

Whether you need a ride for yourself or need to arrange transportation for someone else, there are a variety of options available in the East Bay. Listed below are companies that provide transportation services sensitive to the needs of seniors.

Dial-a-Ride services are on-demand transportation services you can call or contact online, such as taxis, Lyft and Uber. Although not yet specifically senior-sensitive, both Lyft and Uber are developing services that will be. UberAssist, for example, shows you how to specify that you need a wheelchair-accessible ride.

Dial-a-Ride for people without smartphones
​There are on-demand car services that arrange transportation for people without smartphones. They allow the customer to talk to a “real person” who, in turn, interfaces with the on-demand driver, such as Lyft or Uber. These include ​GoGoGrandparent, and ​ArriveRides.

Assisted transportation provides drivers who will escort the rider “through the door” — and/or will stay with the rider throughout the trip (such as a doctor’s appointment). Some home-care companies provide transportation as a service. There are many such companies in the East Bay.
SilverRide focuses exclusively on providing transportation services to seniors. Find out more about it here. Jewish Family and Children’s Services East Bay offers transportation services by caregivers trained in geriatrics. Their East Bay office can be contacted at (510) 704–7475.

Gig-economy transportation for seniors

Care.com — this company has a list of caregivers who are willing to provide transportation.

Volunteer services

Ashby Village — a network of volunteer services for seniors. There is an annual fee to join the Village and access their numerous volunteer services.

Public transportation

Other services offered through public transit include Berkeley Access Alameda, Berkeley Paratransit, and East Bay Paratransit.