Public transportation isn’t just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about staying connected, independent, and engaged in the community. June 17, “Dump the Pump Day,” is a great reminder that there are more transportation options available than many older adults and caregivers realize. From free ride programs funded through the senior millage to local bus services, non-emergency medical transportation through health insurance plans, and rides offered by senior centers and nonprofits, there are resources designed to help make everyday travel easier, safer, and more affordable. In this post, we’ll explore the many ways older adults in our community can access reliable transportation for medical appointments, grocery shopping, social activities, and more.  

 

Free Rides 

Washtenaw County voters passed the Older Persons Millage in 2025. Part of the millage is used to provide FREE transportation for county seniors (age 60+). Call (734) 222-3520 for more information. Transportation providers are below:  

• JFS GO (734) 769-0209, ext. 305 (or fill out the form on their website to request a ride) 
  • JFS provides a low-cost transportation option to ensure individuals and families can attend medical appointments, visit grocery stores, pharmacies, work, or to make attending events and programs.  
  • Must be a JFS client. If you’re interested in becoming a JFS client, call and ask for the New Client Specialist to complete the initial screening via telephone.  
  • Must schedule the ride in advance.   

• Peoples Express (877) 214-6073, option 1 
  • Located in Northfield Township, this program will transport seniors or those with special needs door-to-door to locations within Washtenaw County that are not part of the Ann Arbor Transit Authority (AATA) fixed routes. No service on weekends.   
  • Also offers services in Saline.  
  • Price may vary depending on your location, where you want to go, and the time of day.    
  • Must call 3 days in advance to book a ride, 

• Western Washtenaw Value Express (WAVE) (734) 475-9494 
  • WAVE is a non-profit transit agency that provides affordable transportation. Offers $1 fares for local rides in western Washtenaw County and $5 fares for rides outside of western Washtenaw County. 
  • WAVE offers split fares; for example, if you and a friend start a trip together in the orange part of the map, the fee is $1 so you each pay 50 cents. You would both need to be picked up at the same time to split the fee.  
  • Chelsea Senior Center offers free WAVE passes to adults who are 60 years or older and who reside in Chelsea and Dexter School Districts. Once a pass is used by an adult, they can request another one. There is no limit.  
  • Every adult that meets the requirements may request a ride pass. Adults can request two passes at one time. You do not need to be a member of the Chelsea Senior Center to participate. 

 

 

Bus Services 

• Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority/The Ride (AAATA)- The AAATA provides bus service seven days a week on 34 routes serving Ann Arbor, Pittsfield Township, Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti Township, limited areas of Superior Township (SJMH and WCC), Chelsea, and Dexter.  
  • First time riding the bus? Follow the AAATA’s How to Ride Guide.  
  • A-Ride– this is a shared, reservation-based accessibility service that uses accessible lift-equipped buses. Users must apply and interview before qualifying for this program.   
  • Fare Deal– TheRide offers discounts for eligible individuals on select transportation services. Eligibility may be based on age, income, or disability.   
  • Gold Ride– this is a special service for seniors ages 65 or older. Eligible seniors travel the regular AAATA fixed routes free of charge by showing their Gold Card.   
  • Grocery Ride– this program provides weekly trips from several senior housing communities in Ann Arbor to local grocery stores for $.75 each way. Call (734) 973-6500 for more details. 

•  D2A2– Express bus service connecting Ann Arbor and Detroit. 
  • Runs Monday-Friday 5:45am- 11:00pm with limited service on weekends.
  • Fares are $8 for adults ($6 if booked online) or $4 for eligible seniors (65+).
    • must show a valid AAATA card.
  • Visit their website or call (517) 333-0400 for more information.

 

 

Health Insurance/Hospitals/Medicare 

• Aetna Better Health 1-844-610-7437 or 1-866-316-3784 
  • Covers nonemergency medical rides to cover needs such as doctor visits, dental visits, and picking up prescriptions. Click here for a full list of covered trips.  
  • Must schedule at least three business days in advance. Click here for the information you’ll be asked for when scheduling a ride.  
  • Covers the cost of caregivers (up to one eligible adult). 
  • Must be ready 30 minutes before scheduled ride.  

• Blue Cross Complete (Medicare) 1-888-803-4947 
  • Covers free rides for the member and one guest to medical services and pharmacies to pick up prescriptions. Must schedule at least two days in advance.  
  • Can book using a member app, scheduling online, or calling the number above.  
  • Also offer options for mileage reimbursement.  

• Michigan Medicine Guest Assistance Program (734) 764-6893 or (800) 888-9825 
  • Call the hotline Monday-Friday 9:00 am- 4:00 pm. 
  • Assists Michigan Medicine clients with a variety of resources, including coordinating transportation to get to their appointments. 
  • No cost for coordination services. Transportation fees depend on transportation providers.  

• Molina Medicare Complete Care (888) 616-4841 
  • Covers rides to health care appointments, including doctor visits, physical therapy, dialysis, and pharmacies to pick up prescriptions.  
  • Can schedule recurring appointments.  
  • Must call at least two days in advance.  

• Priority Health Medicare D-SNP (833) 860-7875 
  • Offers up to 30 one-way trips, limited to 100 miles per trip, per year. 
  • Partners with SafeRide (855) 932-5418. 
  • Will send Uber/Lyft or a medical transportation provider, depending on your needs.  
  • Also offers options for mileage reimbursement. 

• VA Transportation Navigation Hub (TNH) (877) 838-5438 
  • Call the hub Monday-Friday 7:00 am- 5:00 pm. 
  • Helps veterans with free transportation to appointments. Caregivers can ride along with prior authorization.  
  • Must schedule 3 business days in advance. 

 

 

 Ride Scheduling  

• myride2 (855) 697-4332 
  • Developed by AgeWays Nonprofit Senior Services.  
  • Helps connect you to transportation providers in your area. Visit the website or call to schedule a ride.  
  • Also provides information on continuing to drive safely and using public transportation to seniors and adults with disabilities. 
  • No charge to use the service, but transportation fees will vary based on the provider.  

 

 

Nonprofits 

• Feonix Mobility Rising (734) 272-4956  
  • Transportation Assistance Hub offers free transportation for approved trips. Call for more information.  
  • Vaccinate Washtenaw program Provides fare-free transportation to and from Covid testing, vaccine/booster appointments, follow up healthcare visits, and pharmacy trips for Washtenaw County residents. Call (734) 272-4956 and mention “Vaccinate Washtenaw.” 

 

 

Senior Centers 

• Manchester Area Senior Citizens Council, Inc (734) 212-3080 
  • Provides rides for medical appointments, or social or recreational purposes. 

• Milan Seniors for Healthy Living (734) 322-8413 
  • Must be age 60 or over and live in the 48160 zip code. 
  • Care partners ride along for no additional cost! 
  • Service is ADA compliant and has wheelchair ramps.  
  • Visit their website for current rates and information.  

• Rural Older Adults in Motion (ROAM) (734) 475-9494 
  • Partnership with the Chelsea Senior Center and WAVE.  
  • Use a WAVE bus pass to ride fare free on any bus in the WAVE fleet that provides door-to-door service.  
  • Passes are available from the Chelsea Senior Center. Stop by the Center to pick one up or call to request that one be sent to you. Each pass provides 10 rides within Chelsea.