Vehicles that transport seniors to and from senior centers should receive regular maintenance. Tires should be checked and occasionally rotated and changed. A functioning spare tire should remain on board at all times. Tune-ups and oil changes should be completed according to each vehicle's specifications. Drivers should be screened for criminal records through the District Attorney's Office and through the Department of Motor Vehicles for previous accidents and citations. Airbags and seatbelts should be up-to-date. All vehicles should carry a safety kit.
Every senior center has boundaries indicating the population they serve. Transportation should be available for all senior citizens requesting it within that area. Scheduling pick-up and drop-off should be uncomplicated and convenient for seniors, who should be apprised of pick-up and drop-off times and notified of any changes in scheduling.
Vehicles that transport seniors should be as comfortable as possible and provide enough space to allow for walkers, wheelchairs, purses, and portable oxygen containers. Air conditioning and heating in each vehicle should be adequate, in working order and serviced regularly. Seniors should be allowed to make suggestions and give feedback on the comfort of their trips to and from the senior center.
A majority of seniors live on a fixed income and usually don't have extra money for non-essentials. Transportation to and from senior centers should be free or for a minimal cost. Some communities fund senior transportation services through special taxes or the city's yearly budget. Some senior centers hold fundraisers to help fund their transportation services. Grants are also available for centers that qualify.
