Where Can Senior Citizens Get Free Rides? (2024)

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With more and more senior citizens staying active far into their golden years, the question of where senior citizens can get free rides is one that comes up often.

Where can senior citizens get free rides? Senior citizens can get free rides from a number of sources. Local transportation authorities in jurisdictions around the nation, app platforms like Lyft, Dial-A-Ride, and many other programs and volunteer services offer free rides for senior citizens.

Many families who work or have busy lives often wonder where senior citizens can get free rides, so the seniors in their homes who no longer drive aren’t forced to sit at home all day. Here’s the information you need to track down where free rides are available.

Table of Contents

Senior Ride Free Program

Many local public transportation authorities around the nation offer free or reduced-fare rides for senior citizens. Your local public transit authority will be able to give you full details about specific programs offered in your area.
In some areas, public transit authorities will require senior citizens to obtain a special pass or identification card for free rides.

Proof required for these passes can include:

  • Proof of age or disability
  • Note from a doctor attesting that the senior no longer drives
  • Proof of income

Senior free or discounted public transit ride programs aren’t just limited to major metropolitan areas like Dallas, New York, Minneapolis, or other large cities, either.

Many rural areas, such as Lower Colorado Valley Transit serving south-central Texas in the Lower Colorado River Valley offer free and reduced rides to senior citizens needing to go to the bank, doctor’s offices, and more.

In addition, grant-funded Meals on Wheels programs in many rural and urban areas also offer a variety of options for rides for seniors.

Most such programs can offer free rides for specific needs including:

  • Banking
  • Trips to pharmacy
  • Doctor visits
  • Grocery shopping

Disabled seniors or seniors on programs such as SNAP (food stamps) or Section 8 or who live in public housing are often eligible for completely free rides.

Ride Services For Seniors

A number of commercial services such as Lyft and Uber offer free or reduced-fare rides for senior citizens. Check to make sure Lyft or Uber is available in your area.

Both services are nearly nationwide but have not rolled out into some rural areas yet.

Free Lyft Rides For Seniors

Lyft, the nationwide rideshare service has teamed up with a number of providers to offer both free and low-cost rides to senior citizens.

Seniors who have are receiving in-home care from agencies partnered with Care At Home are also eligible for free and reduced-price Lyft rides.

Where Can Senior Citizens Get Free Rides? (1)

While the rides aren’t free, seniors without smartphones who use Jitterbug, the special cell phones designed just for seniors, can also simply dial “0” to schedule a lift ride through Great Call.

This service includes:

  • Special coupon discount for the first ride
  • No special apps required
  • No smartphone required
  • Drivers who have been subject to extensive background checks

AARP Uber Discount

While AARP doesn’t currently list Uber as among the hundreds of discounts currently offered to its members, Uber does offer Ride Pass to help seniors plan their day and budget the funds they have for Uber rides.

Additionally, Uber offers Uber Rewards to help seniors and other riders accumulate points.

Here is how Uber’s point system works:

  • One point for every dollar spent on UberPool and UberEats
  • Two points for every dollar spent on UberX, UberXL, Select, and WAV
  • Three points for every dollar spent on UberBlack, Black SUV, and Uber Lux

Once you’ve accumulated points, you can earn:

  • $5 Uber credit for every 500 points
  • $5 for every 500 points amassed thereafter
  • NO LIMIT on points accumulated

Other ride services for senior citizens include Lift Hero, a ride service separate from Uber and Lift.

Although only currently available in limited markets, Lift Hero is limited to use by senior citizens, so they take special care of seniors and have drivers ready to meet senior citizens’ needs like opening doors, assisting with walkers, etc.

For seniors who want to use Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services and don’t have a smartphone but also don’t use the Jitterbug brand phone, don’t fear: any cell phone or landline can connect you with GoGoGrandparent.

GoGoGrandparent will connect you with rideshare services, taxis, and other forms of local, private for-fee transportation in your area at no additional charge, and without the use of a cumbersome app or smartphone. GoGoGrandparent is easy to use, and seniors need only to remember to press a few phone keys after registering:

  • Press one to get a car to come to your home
  • Press two to get a car to the last place you were dropped off at
  • Press three, four, or five to get a custom location pickup
  • Press six to use an operator (a real person) to order a ride
  • Press zero to ask questions

Senior Transportation Solutions

There are a number of other transportation solutions for senior citizens as well. No matter where you are in the country, there are ways for seniors to get rides to most anyplace they need to go.

National Volunteer Transportation Center

The National Volunteer Transportation Center’s mission is to provide transportation solutions to those who need it, with emphasis on life-building and sustaining assistance, such as grocery shopping and medical visits, although their work is not limited to those areas.

With volunteer transportation groups in all 50 states (including Alaska and Hawaii), senior citizens will likely not be too far from a quick, free volunteer ride.
While the National Volunteer Transportation Center does not itself provide transportation to seniors or connect them with groups that do, it, along with the AlterNetWays foundation, one of its partners, runs AssistRides, which does help pair seniors with individual organizations made up of volunteer drivers.

There are several things to remember when using a volunteer ride service for seniors through AssistRides:

  • If you have accessibility issues (wheelchair, walker, etc.) be sure to let them know
  • Be sure that the operator has a clear understanding of your area and where you want to go to ensure both are in the service area
  • Make sure you will have a ride back as many of these services operate limited hours

Dial A Ride For Seniors

Dial-A-Ride programs are often called “paratransit,” or “demand-response service” in many areas. Most paratransit and demand-response services are operated by the same transportation authorities that operate your local bus service.

However, dial-a-ride and paratransit services typically require you to meet certain criteria to be eligible for demand-response services, such as:

  • A verifiable disability
  • Difficulty walking that would delay boarding a normal bus
  • Specific income levels
  • Live alone or with another disabled family member

Requirements for paratransit, dial-a-ride, and demand-response vary widely from city to city, so don’t feel as though you may not be eligible if you don’t meet the criteria on this list.

Instead, call your local transit authority and inquire about their specific requirements.

Conclusion

Remember to do additional research and ask questions about any service you would like to use for yourself or a senior citizen in your care.
Make sure to check first with your local public transit authority about demand response service, and then about discounted rides for seniors before going with ride-share services, which may be more costly for seniors on a fixed income.

No matter where you are in the nation, from rural Wyoming to upstate New York, you should be able to find free or low-cost transportation for the senior citizens in your life to help keep them independent and active well into their golden years.

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Where Can Senior Citizens Get Free Rides? (2024)

FAQs

What age is Freedom Pass? ›

What age do you get a Freedom Pass? If you were aged 60 or over on the 6th of April 2010 then you automatically qualify for a Freedom Pass. However, as the pension age has moved to 66, the eligibility age for a Freedom Pass has increased to be in line with that.

Can I use my OAP bus pass on National Express? ›

You can travel for free anywhere in England, including London on local bus services. It's not valid for journeys within Scotland or Wales. Free travel is not available on tourist buses or coach services like megabus.com and National Express.

Can I use my OAP bus pass anywhere in the UK? ›

Where can I use my bus pass? Your bus pass is valid for use on all registered Bus services within England, so if you are visiting other places you should be able to use your pass. It is not valid in Wales* or Scotland.

Can I use my pensioners bus pass on the London Underground? ›

You can also use your pass in London on buses bearing the Transport for London roundel logo (you cannot use your pass on the Underground, DLR, Trams or non Transport for London buses).

What does a Freedom Pass cover? ›

The Freedom Pass allows you to travel on local bus services across England during off-peak times - 9.30am to 11pm Monday to Friday and all day at other times. The red rose symbol on your pass denotes that you have this right - known as the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS).

Can you use a Freedom Pass on trains? ›

Your Freedom Pass allows you to travel in Standard Class on most local rail services in London, during the following times: Monday to Friday from 9.30am and until 4.30am the following morning. at any time on weekends and public holidays.

Can pensioners get free train travel? ›

Travel free on bus, tram, Tube, DLR, London Overground and Elizabeth line. You can travel free on TfL services with your Older Person's Freedom Pass from 09:00 weekdays and anytime at weekends and on bank holidays. If you have a Disabled Person's Freedom Pass, you can still travel at any time on our services.

Can I use my bus pass on trains in England? ›

English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) passes (or bus passes as they are often referred to) are not valid on all trains. There are some exceptions to this where these passes can be used in local areas, subject to local authority policy.

Will pensioners lose bus passes? ›

Am I going to lose my free bus pass? Anyone who currently has a free bus pass will not lose it - the change is for incoming seniors when the state pension age changes. The state pension age is currently 66, but the Government plans to raise it to 67 in 2028.

Can I use my senior bus pass on London buses? ›

You can use an English National Concessionary Pass on London buses from 09:00, Monday to Friday. You can use the pass anytime on weekends and bank holidays. All wheelchair and mobility scooter users travel free on buses and trams.

Can I use my over 60 pass before 9am? ›

The agreement that TfL has with London Councils is that the Older Persons Freedom Pass is valid 9am to 4.30am Monday to Friday and all day on weekends and Bank Holidays. A Disabled Freedom Pass is valid all day every day. London Councils fund all the journeys that are made at those times.

Can I use my bus pass in Blackpool? ›

People who hold valid English National Concessionary Travel Scheme passes can travel for free on Blackpool Transport buses between 0930 and 2300 hours Monday to Friday and all day on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.

Do Over 60's get free tube travel? ›

If you're 60 or over and live in a London borough, you can get free travel on our transport services with an Oyster photocard.

Is the Elizabeth line free for over 60s? ›

Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed that the Elizabeth line has opened today Tuesday 24 May 2022. Older Persons pass holders will be able to use their passes from 9.00am on weekdays and at all times at weekends and Bank Holidays on the entire Elizabeth line up to and including Reading.

Do Over 60s get free bus travel in England? ›

If you live in England or Wales

In England you can get a bus pass for free travel when you reach the State Pension age. If you live in London, you can travel free on buses, tubes and other transport when you're 60, but only within London. In Wales you can get a bus pass when you reach 60.

How far does Freedom Pass go? ›

Freedom Pass is valid at any time between Liverpool Street and Clapton and also Liverpool Street and Stoke Newington on London Overground. On NR services for these routes, Freedom Pass is valid from 09.30 Monday to Friday and at any time on weekends and public holidays.

What's the difference between a Freedom Pass and a 60+ Oyster card? ›

Is the Freedom Pass different to 60+ Oyster Card? The Freedom Pass is specifically designed to serve pensioners, whereas the 60+ Oyster card is for those over 60. The Freedom Pass criteria is based off of the Women's state pension age, which means that those over 66 are eligible for a Freedom Pass.

Can I use my Freedom Pass on the tube? ›

The agreement that TfL has with London Councils is that the Older Persons Freedom Pass is valid 9am to 4.30am Monday to Friday and all day on weekends and Bank Holidays. A Disabled Freedom Pass is valid all day every day. London Councils fund all the journeys that are made at those times.

Can I travel to Gatwick airport with my Freedom Pass? ›

Passes are not valid on Gatwick Express, Heathrow Express or any long distance inter-city train that does not stop at intermediate stations within the freedom pass area. For travel beyond the freedom pass area you must purchase a separate extension ticket before you travel.

Is Elizabeth line free for Freedom Pass holders? ›

Freedom Pass holders can travel across the entire length of the Elizabeth Line free of charge, even to stations like Iver and Reading that fall outside the London Fare Zones area.

Can I use my Freedom Pass to get to Stansted Airport? ›

No, Stansted Airport is outside London. You will need to buy a ticket from the Freedom Pass boundary.

What age is free on trains? ›

Children under five years of age may accompany fare-paying passengers free of charge, unless the Train Company you want to use specifies otherwise in their notices and other publications.

How do I get a Senior Railcard? ›

Buy a Senior Railcard at a Station

You can buy a Senior Railcard at any National Rail staffed station ticket office or National Rail-licensed Travel Agent. You can do it on the day you are travelling, just ensure the ticket office is open.

Who is eligible for a Senior Railcard? ›

You're eligible for a Senior Railcard if you are 60 years old or over. You can buy one up to two weeks before your 60th birthday if you buy online, but it'll only be valid from your birthday onwards. If you buy from a station you cannot buy in advance of your 60th birthday. Buying online is easy.

How can I get a free railcard? ›

Through a student bank account

One of the main ways that students are able to get a free 16-25 railcard is through student bank accounts. Many banks offer similar student accounts so try to differentiate themselves from other banks by offering a free railcard. One of the main banks to offer such a perk is Santander.

Do pensioners get free rail travel in UK? ›

Freedom Passes give London residents free travel in the city – including trams, National Rail services, the Underground, river services and buses – and free local bus journeys nationally. If you live in London, you can apply for a Freedom Pass if one of the following applies to you: you've reached State Pension age.

Who gets free train travel UK? ›

Over 60s living in London can get free travel with an Oyster Photocard, while anyone over 66 (state pension age in England) or who has a disability and lives in London can travel for free using the Freedom Pass. Finally, veterans may be entitled to free travel in London with the Veterans Oyster Photocard.

What is the state pension age for a woman? ›

Women's State Pension age

It changed to 65 for women between 2010 and 2018. It is now increasing in stages, alongside men, until it has reached 68. It's important to check when you are due to reach your State Pension age as this might change in the future. A State Pension forecast will also tell you this.

What benefits can I claim at 60? ›

Here are some brief details - please click one of the links for more information.
  • Pension credits. ...
  • Free prescriptions and Sight tests. ...
  • Subsidised travel. ...
  • Annual flu jab. ...
  • The job seekers allowance. ...
  • Special support grant. ...
  • Student support grants. ...
  • State Pension.

What age is state pension? ›

Check your State Pension age

There are some changes to the State Pension age at the moment. For people reaching State Pension age now, it will be age 66 for women and men. For those born after 5 April 1960, there will be a phased increase in State Pension age to 67, and eventually 68.

What is a Diamond Travelcard? ›

The Diamond Travelcard provides free travel on local bus services that are part of the local bus network in England. This includes the Bristol MetroBus. This does not usually include long distance bus and coach services but you can check with the operator before you travel.

How much is a London monthly Travelcard? ›

Travelcards
Zone(s)One Day AnytimeMonthly
Zone 1 only£14.40£147.50
Zone 1 and 2£14.40£147.50
Zone 1, 2 and 3£14.40£173.60
Zone 1, 2, 3 and 4£14.40£212.00
2 more rows

How much is a one day Travelcard in London? ›

It's priced as a one day travel pass.
...
Daily prices.
TypeDay Anytime PriceOff-Peak Day Price
Adult Zones 1-5£13.10£13.10
Adult Zones 1-6£14.10£14.10
3 more rows

Is the Freedom Pass being discontinued? ›

We have now sent out all renewal passes to those we believe are still eligible for the Older Person's Freedom Pass who held a 31 March 2022 expiry pass. We automatically renewed passes for Older Persons pass holders, who from our residency checks, were still living at the same address as shown on our records.

When can I use my 60+ card? ›

The 60+ Oystercard allows Londoners to travel for free on TfL services from 09:00 weekdays, as well as anytime on weekends and bank holidays. It also allows holders of the pass to travel for free after 9:30am on National Rail services within London on weekdays and anytime on weekends and bank holidays.

Can I use my 60 Oyster card to Heathrow Airport? ›

Free travel is not available: on any services outside of the area shown on the 60+ Oyster map. on Southeastern high speed services. on any train services operated by East Midlands Railway, LNER, Hull Trains, Grand Central, Heathrow Express, West Midlands Railway, ScotRail, Merseyrail, or Avanti West Coast.

Do pensioners travel free on Blackpool trams? ›

The travel pass scheme in Blackpool and Lancashire is operated by NoWcards. This allows free local bus and tram (in Blackpool) travel for those eligible from 9.30am until 11.00pm Monday to Friday, and all day Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays, across England.

Can I use my bus pass on the train in Lancashire? ›

Can I use my NoWcard on trains or the London Underground? No, but your NoWcard National Concession bus pass allows you free off peak travel on local bus services throughout England including buses in London.

How much is a day ticket on Blackpool trams? ›

Ticket Pricing
Ticket TypePrice
Adult Day Saver from£5.60
Child Day Saver from£2.70
Family Day Saver from£12.50
Single trip£2.10
4 more rows

What do over 60s get free in UK? ›

Everyone aged over 60 gets free prescriptions. If you're under 60 you can save money on prescriptions by buying prescription prepayment certificates from the NHS for 3 months or 12 months. This covers all your prescriptions for that period, regardless of how many you need.

Who qualifies for a Freedom Pass? ›

What age do you get a Freedom Pass? If you were aged 60 or over on the 6th of April 2010 then you automatically qualify for a Freedom Pass. However, as the pension age has moved to 66, the eligibility age for a Freedom Pass has increased to be in line with that.

Can I use my senior bus pass on the Elizabeth line? ›

jpg. Freedom Passes will be valid to use on all of the Elizabeth line including stops outside of London. Freedom Pass holders should note that Bond Street on the Elizabeth line is not currently in use.

How much will the Elizabeth line cost? ›

The Elizabeth line is London's newest attraction. The 60-mile long railway opened to the public on May 24 after taking 23 years to construct and came with a price tag of $25 billion.

Can I use my OAP bus pass on National Express? ›

You can travel for free anywhere in England, including London on local bus services. It's not valid for journeys within Scotland or Wales. Free travel is not available on tourist buses or coach services like megabus.com and National Express.

Can I use my senior bus pass anywhere in England? ›

Where can I use my bus pass? Your bus pass is valid for use on all registered Bus services within England, so if you are visiting other places you should be able to use your pass.

What benefits do over 60s get in UK? ›

Health benefits

In England, everyone aged over 60 gets free prescriptions and eye tests. You might also qualify for help towards: dental treatment. travel costs to hospital.

Can I get Freedom Pass at 60? ›

If you're 60 or over and live in a London borough, you can get a 60+ London Oyster photocard until you're eligible for a Freedom Pass. You can't get a 60+ London Oyster photocard if you already have a Veterans Oyster photocard.

At what age do you get a free bus pass in the UK? ›

In England you can get a bus pass for free travel when you reach the State Pension age. If you live in London, you can travel free on buses, tubes and other transport when you're 60, but only within London. In Wales you can get a bus pass when you reach 60.

What is the difference between a Freedom Pass and 60+ Oyster card? ›

Is the Freedom Pass different to 60+ Oyster Card? The Freedom Pass is specifically designed to serve pensioners, whereas the 60+ Oyster card is for those over 60. The Freedom Pass criteria is based off of the Women's state pension age, which means that those over 66 are eligible for a Freedom Pass.

What is the difference between 60+ Oyster and Freedom Pass? ›

Just like the Freedom Pass, it will also allow them free travel outside of morning peak hours on other national rail services in the capital. However, unlike the Freedom Pass, 60+ Oystercard holders will not be able to use their card to travel free of charge on local bus services in other parts of the country.

Can I use my bus pass on trains in England? ›

English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) passes (or bus passes as they are often referred to) are not valid on all trains. There are some exceptions to this where these passes can be used in local areas, subject to local authority policy.

Can I use my over 60 pass before 9am? ›

The 60+ Oystercard allows Londoners to travel for free on TfL services from 09:00 weekdays, as well as anytime on weekends and bank holidays. It also allows holders of the pass to travel for free after 9:30am on National Rail services within London on weekdays and anytime on weekends and bank holidays.

How long does a Freedom Pass last? ›

By law, Freedom Passes must be renewed every five years.

Will pensioners lose bus passes? ›

Am I going to lose my free bus pass? Anyone who currently has a free bus pass will not lose it - the change is for incoming seniors when the state pension age changes. The state pension age is currently 66, but the Government plans to raise it to 67 in 2028.

When did free bus pass age change? ›

Freedom Pass is a concessionary travel scheme, which began in 1973, to provide free travel to residents of Greater London, England, who are aged 66 and over (the age of eligibility increased progressively from 60 in 2010 to 66 in 2020) or who have a disability.

Can I use my Freedom Pass on the Elizabeth line? ›

Freedom Passes will be valid to use on all of the Elizabeth line including stops outside of London. Freedom Pass holders should note that Bond Street on the Elizabeth line is not currently in use.

Is the Freedom Pass being discontinued? ›

We have now sent out all renewal passes to those we believe are still eligible for the Older Person's Freedom Pass who held a 31 March 2022 expiry pass. We automatically renewed passes for Older Persons pass holders, who from our residency checks, were still living at the same address as shown on our records.

Can I use my Freedom Pass at 9am? ›

The agreement that TfL has with London Councils is that the Older Persons Freedom Pass is valid 9am to 4.30am Monday to Friday and all day on weekends and Bank Holidays. A Disabled Freedom Pass is valid all day every day. London Councils fund all the journeys that are made at those times.

Can I use my Freedom Pass on London Underground? ›

Buses, trams and trains

Travel free on bus, tram, Tube, DLR, London Overground and Elizabeth line. You can travel free on TfL services with your Older Person's Freedom Pass from 09:00 weekdays and anytime at weekends and on bank holidays.

How far does London Freedom Pass Go? ›

Freedom Pass is valid at any time between Liverpool Street and Enfield Town and also Liverpool Street and Theobalds Grove on London Overground. On National Rail services for these routes, Freedom Pass is valid from 09.30 Monday to Friday and at any time on weekends and public holidays.

Can I use my 60 Oyster card on National Rail? ›

60+ Oyster on National Rail. 60+ Oyster is only valid within the area shown on the 60+ Oyster map. Journeys beyond the area of validity will require a separate ticket. Travel is permitted at any time on weekends and on public holidays.

How do I add my Senior Railcard to my Oyster card? ›

To link your Oyster card and railcard, you need to take your Oyster card and your railcard to an Underground station, Overground ticket office or some National Rail ticket offices and ask the clerk to add your discount entitlement to your Oyster card. It will be valid until the expiry of the railcard.

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