TRANSPORTATION / DRIVING TIPS
In addition to the VillageRides program, a number of other transportation options are available to Montgomery County residents, including the following:
Connect-a-Ride is a free program for adults 50+ and/or with disabilities. Call 301-738-3252 Monday to Friday (9:00-5:00) or email ConnectARide@accessJCA.org. Trained staff will provide information about both public and private transportation resources. Please be aware that specialists often speak with callers at length, so you may need to leave a message and get a call back.
Metro and Ride On: Anyone 65 or over can purchase a Senior SmarTrip card to ride Metro (rail and bus) and Ride On buses at discounted rates. A valid government-issued picture ID and a $2.00 fee are required to obtain a Senior SmarTrip card. Note that Senior SmarTrip cards are available at all Montgomery County Public Libraries. For more information including additional places to purchase a Senior SmarTrip, go to wmata.com/fares/reduced.cfm.
Metro Access provides shared-ride, door-to-door transportation for people unable to use public transportation due to a disability, and is available seven days a week. Call 301-562-5360 or go to the website at www.wmata.com/accessibillity/metroaccess_service for details about eligibility and service.
Call-n-Ride offers discounted taxi trips for residents age 67+ and adults with disabilities who meet income eligibility requirements. For information, call 301-948-5409.
Senior Connection provides free rides to those 62 and older, primarily to medical appointments, using volunteer drivers. Call 301-962-0820, go to www.seniorconnectionmc.org/learn-more/, or email info@seniorconnectionmc.org.
Free Transportation to Senior Centers: Seniors of any income level are eligible to use curb-to-curb transportation to the five Montgomery County Recreation Senior Centers. Riders must live within a defined service area of the center. Call 240-777-4924 for details.
For more details on transportation options for older adults, those on Medicare and Medicaid, and people with disabilities, go to https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/senior/transportation.html or http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HHS-Program/ADS/Transportation/Directory.html.
To request a hard copy of the 62-page Transportation Network Directory for People with Disabilities and Adults 50+, contact Shawn at 240-777-1350 or email shawn.brennan@montgomerycountymd.gov.
STILL DRIVING?
Maryland has published a Resource Guide for Aging Drivers. Click here to access it.