Mobility is a necessity people of all ages should have easy access to. The problem is not everybody has access to, or the ability to drive a car. Whether it be a trip to the grocery store, movie theater, or doctors appointment — getting around should be made easy. According to a 2017 Pew Research Center study, more than 40% of people aged 65 and over do not own a smartphone. This means ride share apps such as Lyft and Uber are inaccessible for that audience. People should not be limited on where they can go simply because they cannot drive a car or have a smartphone. Public transportation is an option but there are many issues and obstacles with it.
Transportation Issues
Aging In Place has been a term used by AARP to describe the support services being provided so that an individual can remain being independent as one gets older. Getting around becomes a problem when older individuals start having health complications, such as vision loss, that prevents them from driving. This problem presents itself to an aging population that has low to no access of public transportation, affecting a rapidly increasing amount of people. There are close to 50-million people that are 65 and older living in the United States; transportation issues need to be solved for those without a car or have poor access to alternative transport methods. Livestrong identified several issues that the elderly face today. The public transportation system is not catered to the elderly, most of whom cannot work with the schedule or make it to the stops in the first place. There are very few curb-to-curb services available that are not called Lyft or Uber when it comes to everyday transportation. Fortunately some senior facilities and programs provide rides to their patrons, but these alternatives are always restricted to certain areas and hours. Safety on current public transportation methods are also a concern — waiting at a bus stop late at night or being alone on a subway car isn’t always the most pleasant experience.
According to the earlier linked government census, the population of 65+ will be close to 100-million by 2060. Steps and improvements need to be taken to either fix public transportation nationwide or find other solutions. Some major metropolitan cities have taken steps to work on their public transit systems, but many smaller cities in the United States have no solution in sight.
Transportation Made Easy
One service that works to combat these issues is GoGoGrandparent. GoGoGrandparent is a service that utilizes Lyft and Uber, but without the need of owning a smartphone or navigating an app. By calling them on the phone, users would be able to order a ride after speaking to a live operator or using their automated menu system. No longer will the hassle of the dreaded public transportation system be needed. Checking the bus schedule is a thing of the past.
Safety
While safety is a concern some people may have, especially when strangers are in charge of picking up the elderly. The drivers used by GoGoGrandparent are Lyft and Uber drivers, who are all licensed and certified as Transportation Network Companies, that ensure safety is a number one priority. Recommended as a transportation option by the AARP, GoGoGrandparent has additional screening to verify the drivers requested are comfortable working with seniors that may need extra assistance; and that their cars are compatible with the seniors needs. 24/7 Operator support is available if questions or concerns arise throughout the ride. Family members can also choose to get real-time updates when a ride is placed, begins, and completed to have peace of mind that their loved ones are in good hands.
The freedom of mobility is back again with GoGoGrandparent. Being able to be mobile and travel freely opens new doors to allow an active lifestyle once again.
