Free Transportation for Seniors in Maine

By Maurice

If you’re looking for free transportation for seniors in Maine, you’re in the right place!This page is a complete resource for free transportation for the elderly in the state of Maine.Check out the resources below, and if you have a resource to add, please contact us!

Map of Free Transportation for Seniors in Maine

List of Free Transportation for Seniors in Maine

Bridgton Community Center – Volunteer Transportation Program

Program Description:

The BCC is a 501c(3) not for profit organization. The Center is staffed Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and available at other by appointment.

The Bridgton Community Center matters because it serves as a hub in the downtown, a free and open place for young and old to gather, to do things, to solve problems, to share and be valued. All of this matters because we need a reason and place to be together.

Our mission is to create and provide a supporting environment in recreation, leisure, the arts, health and community services to promote public well being and to enhance quality of life for all generations in the community.

• Service Area:Bridgton
• Transportation Services Provided: Non-medical destinations.
• Eligibility Criteria: The following are eligible to receive transportation:

• No specific eligibility criteria. (Services are provided for persons 60 years of age and over or disabled.)

• Application Details: TO SIGN UP/SCHEDULE FOR RIDES:

• Please contact Bridgton Community Center | 207.647.3116

• Other Details: 

1. 1Fare $3 one way trip, Students/Seniors $2.
2. 2Please call two days in advance.

Catholic Charities – Auburn – SEARCH Program (Seek Elderly Alone, Renew Courage and Hope)

Program Description:

A faith-based, non-profit organization, we have been serving the poor and vulnerable populations of Maine since 1966.

From food banks in Aroostook to child care in York County, our network of over 600 professionals and 500+ volunteers helped more than 50,000 of our neediest neighbors last year, answering want with generosity and replacing despair with hope.

SEARCH helps seniors who live alone feel less isolated & lonely and more connected to a caring community, while also remaining independent in their own homes.

We provide free support services via trained volunteers including companionship and friendly visits, socialization opportunities, transportation help for errands, grocery shopping and to medical appointments, telephone reassurance calls, assistance with home or yard projects, and information and referrals to other community services and programs when needed.

The mission of SEARCH is to enable vulnerable seniors to remain independent and create a long-term support system to meet their needs.

• Service Area:Androscoggin, Kennebec, Sagadahoc, Somerset, and in parts of Franklin, Lincoln & Oxford Counties, along with Brunswick & Harpswell in Cumberland County.
• Transportation Services Provided: Appointments/errands and grocery shopping etc.
• Eligibility Criteria: The following are eligible to receive transportation:

• No specific eligibility criteria is mentioned on their website. (Services are provided For seniors, especially those on a limited income.)

• Application Details: TO SIGN UP/SCHEDULE FOR RIDES: Please contact your local SERCH office.

• Wendy Russell, Program DirectorE-Mail: SEARCHinfo@ccmaine.orgSEARCH270 Minot Avenue, Suite BAuburn, ME 04210(207) 784-0157(207) 784-2453 Fax
• SEARCH – Sagadahoc and Lincoln Counties125 Congress AvenueBath, ME 04530(207) 837-8810
• SEARCH / RSVP – Kennebec ValleySt. Michael Pastoral Center24 Washington StreetAugusta, ME 04330(207) 530-0137
• SEARCH – Franklin and Oxford CountiesSt. Rose of Lima Parish1 Church StreetJay, Maine 04239(207) 200-0844
• SEARCH / RSVP – Somerset CountyChrist the King Parish291 Water StreetP.O. Box 2027Skowhegan, ME 04976(207) 576-5730

• Other Details: 

1. 1We provide free support services via trained volunteers

Freeport Community Services – Volunteer Services

Program Description:

45 years ago, a small group of Freeport citizens recognized that some of their neighbors were struggling to meet their families’ basic needs such as clothing, food and home heating fuel.

Operating from a space above a volunteer’s garage, they collected furniture and clothing to distribute to those in need of help. Their effort has evolved and grown over the years into today’s Freeport Community Services.

FCS is a vibrant 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that fulfills its mission through a range of programs and emergency and relief services including a food pantry, fuel assistance, summer camp scholarships, summer lunch, holiday meals and holiday helpline.

FCS’ mission and programs are carried out by a stalwart staff of 12, supported by over 200 dedicated community volunteers. From sorting donations to the thrift shop to managing the annual budget to serving nutritious lunches to schoolchildren, these 2 groups form the heart and soul of FCS. Every day the community center which is owned and managed by FCS is a beehive of activity and energy that makes all of us involved with FCS very proud.

The FCS Transportation Program provides rides to medical and counseling appointments for Freeport and Pownal residents who are temporarily or permanently unable to drive or have no vehicle.

• Service Area:Freeport and Pownal
• Transportation Services Provided: Medical appointments and grocery shopping, as well as personal needs such as trips to the bank, post office, hair salon, etc.
• Eligibility Criteria: The following are eligible to receive transportation:

• Live in Freeport or Pownal.
• Temporarily or permanently unable to drive or have no vehicle.

• Application Details: Ride Requests may made online or by calling Cathy

• New riders must complete a Rider Application, available to complete online or print and mail.
• Contact: Cathy Cryvoff, Age Friendly Freeport & Pownal Coordinator, (207) 865-3985 x222

• Other Details: 

1. 1The service is free of charge to all riders.

The Opportunity Alliance in York and Cumberland counties

Program Description:

The Senior Companion Program is a national program funded by AmeriCorps, (formerly the Corporation for National & Community Service) and sponsored locally by The Opportunity Alliance in York and Cumberland counties.

Since 1974, Senior Companions have provided assistance to older adults who have difficulties with tasks of daily living that help them remain living independently.

• Service Area: Cumberland and York counties
• Transportation Services Provided: Transportation is only provided to those clients who engage in the overall support services of the Senior Companion Program, SCP does not provide on demand transportation. Examples of Senior Companion activities include Visiting clients in their homes providing socialization and companionship, and/or respite for caregivers, offering transportation to essential errands such as medical appointments and grocery shopping, assisting with accessing community resources, and sharing a meal together, taking a walk in the neighborhood.
• Eligibility Criteria: The following are eligible to receive transportation:

• Older adults with interest in support services to maintain independence

• Application Details: TO SIGN UP/SCHEDULE FOR RIDES: Please contact:

• Phone: (207) 773-0202Toll-free: 1 (800) 698-4959
• Fax: (207) 874-1182
• scp@opportunityalliance.org
• Address:222 Saint John Street, Suite 302-B, Portland, ME 04102

• Other Details: 

1. 1The Senior Companion Program is a national program funded by AmeriCorps, formerly the Corporation for National & Community Service and sponsored locally by the Opportunity Alliance in York and Cumberland counties.

People Plus – Volunteer Transportation Network

Program Description:

Dedicated to intergenerational community participation, People Plus supports an engaged, healthy, and independent life for older adults, while joining others to build community for all ages.

We offer numerous choices for fitness and wellness services, recreation and learning opportunities, education and outreach.

We work in partnership with the business and public sectors, which are vitally important to our efforts to develop and sustain communities that value their older members, understand their interests, appreciate their talents, and strive to meet their needs.Through our programming, we seek to address the social, emotional, physical, intellectual, and spiritual needs of all our members, and to promote their independence. We work to link older adults with younger people, in order to enrich the lives of everyone.

• Service Area: Brunswick, Topsham, Harpswell and Bath.
• Transportation Services Provided: Medical appointments and grocery shopping, as well as personal needs such as trips to the bank, post office, and hair salon.
• Eligibility Criteria: VTN is available to adults who:

• Are unable to drive either temporarily or permanently, due to a disability.
• Live alone, have no other means of transportation or have no friends or family to transport them.
• Live within the greater Brunswick area.

• Application Details: TO SIGN UP/SCHEDULE FOR RIDES:

• Call the VTN at People Plus (729-0757) to request a ride.
• New riders must complete a Rider Application
• Rider Registrations should be returned to People Plus.mail: PO Box 766, Brunswick, ME 04011fax: 729-0672drop off: 35 Union St, Brunswick.

• Other Details: 

1. 1There is no charge for this program.
2. 2Volunteer drivers are available Monday through Friday, regular business hours (roughly 9-5).
3. 3Give at least three (3) business days notice to VTN for all ride requests.
4. 4Give 24 hours notice when canceling or changing a ride.
5. 5Be mobile and be able to stand and get in and out of cars with minimal assistance.
6. 6List any special needs (e.g. mobility, deafness, sight, etc.) on the Rider Registration form.
7. 7Drivers are not responsible for staying with and/or assisting riders at appointments or destinations.
8. 8We offer round trip rides, as well as one-way rides.
9. 9A different return trip driver may be assigned, inadvance only, if an appointment will be longer than an hour and the original driver cannot do the returntrip.
10. 10If no ride can be found, the VTN will notify the rider the day before the desired ride so they will havetime to make other arrangements.

YarmouthCAN (Yarmouth Cares About Neighbors) – Senior Support Programs

Program Description:

Yarmouth Cares About Neighbors (YarmouthCAN or YCAN) tracks local resources in Yarmouth, Maine, connects resources with people who need them, and works to fill the gaps.

YCAN will work to create a welcoming community by highlighting available community resources and volunteer opportunities for community members of all ages and abilities.The organization was founded in late 2008 by concerned citizens in Yarmouth, Maine, with Julia Martin as its founding President.

• Service Area: Yarmouth, Maine
• Transportation Services Provided: Medical appointments (from Freeport to Scarborough) local shopping areas, banks, the YMCA, shop for groceries, get your hair done, etc. to attend movies at Merrill Library, YCS Field Trips, etc.
• Eligibility Criteria: Service is available for adults who:

• Yarmouth, Maine residents who cannot drive, either temporarily or permanently.

• Application Details: TO SIGN UP/SCHEDULE FOR RIDES:

• Contact Jean Rafford: (207) 329-7295. (If there is no answer, please leave a message with your name, telephone number, and the day you might like a ride.)

• Other Details: 

1. 1Five business days (or more) notice are required to arrange transportation.
2. 2Rides may be limited to FIVE PER MONTH per individual.
3. 3Rides to medical appointments outside of Yarmouth may be limited to ONE PER MONTH.
4. 4Rider will be given a 48-hour notice if request can not be filled so that other arrangements can be made.
5. 5Ride request via phonecall are accepted from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday. The YCAN Rides phone is not answered on weekends.
6. 6The service is free of charge to all riders.

Community Concepts – Volunteer Transportation

Program Description:

Since 1965, Community Concepts, Inc. has offered a variety of housing, economic development and social services for the communities of Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties of Maine.

These services support both the basic needs of families and promotes self-sufficiency. Imagine living alone, not being able to drive and not being able to access public transportation. Our volunteer drivers are critical to creating positive impact in supporting our community. They are a life-changing gift. We offer volunteer training on a regular basis.

Mileage reimbursement is offered to our drivers. Community Concepts’ Transportation Program has been going strong for 30+ years! With the help of our amazing staff and volunteers, we are able to transport our customers over 3 million miles annually.

• Service Area: Lewiston, South Paris
• Transportation Services Provided: Specific information is not available on the website.
• Eligibility Criteria: Service is available for adults who:

• Veterans, Seniors, Individuals with Low Income, Individuals Cancer Treatment, and Individuals Needing Dialysis Treatment.

• Application Details: TO SIGN UP/SCHEDULE FOR RIDES:

• Please call (207) 795-6073. If you have MaineCare and are interested in obtaining transportation with Community Concepts, please contact LogistiCare to schedule an appointment.

• Other Details: 

1. 1Depending on available funding, many of these trips are provided for free.

Rural Community Action Ministry – Social Services/Volunteer Services

Program Description:

Rural Community Action Ministry is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to eradicating rural homelessness and hunger. We have worked to provide services to vulnerable rural families since 1970.

Our purpose is to work with people to meet their needs for safe, adequate shelter, clothing, food and basic well-being in a manner that maintains or improves their self-worth and dignity. Volunteers are a critical component of all RCAM services.

From the immediate community to across the country, professionals and volunteers work to support and assist all of RCAM services and people. Volunteers may work one-on-one with clients in their homes, or volunteers may come to us as a group from a business or church and spend the day or a week with us. The list of volunteer jobs is endless.

• Service Area: Greene, Leeds, Livermore, Sabattus, Turner, Wales, Litchfield, Monmouth, Wayne, Buckfield, Canton, Hartford and Sumner.
• Transportation Services Provided: To and from medical appointments.
• Eligibility Criteria: Service is available for adults who:

• No specific eligibility criteria is mentioned on their website. (although services are provided to elderly and/or disabled persons.)

• Application Details: TO SIGN UP/SCHEDULE FOR RIDES:

• Contact us at (207) 524-5095
• Sue

• Other Details: 

1. 1Pricing information is not available on the website. Donations encouraged.

MaineCare – Penquis CAP – Non Emergency Medical Transportation

Program Description:

MaineCare covers Non-Emergency Transportation (NET) for eligible members. You may get a ride to your MaineCare-covered appointment or have your ride reimbursed by MaineCare.

• Service Area: Maine
• Transportation Services Provided: non-emergency medical transportation
• Eligibility Criteria: Service is available for adults who:

• Mainers who do not have access to reliable transportation, are unable to drive, or are otherwise unable to travel to their appointment.

• Application Details: TO SIGN UP/SCHEDULE FOR RIDES:

• make sure to make an appointment at least two business days in advance;
• check that their appointment is covered by MaineCare and approved by the transportation broker;
• call the broker in their area to ask about scheduling a ride.

• Other Details: 

1. 1Free transportation is available get a COVID-19 vaccine.
2. 2Transportation broker list: Transportation-Document-A-Brokers.pdf
3. 3If it is an urgent appointment and applicants cannot call two business days ahead of time, they can still get a ride. The broker will verify the trip is urgent.
4. 4The broker will decide the best way to get you to your MaineCare covered appointment or service. The broker may provide transportation services in one of these ways:a) Paying you for mileage from your home to your appointment and back if you use your own vehicle.b) Paying a friend or family member for mileage from your home to your appointment and back if he/she brings you.c) Giving you a pass or fare if you use public transportation such as a bus, train, or ferry.d) Setting up a ride to your appointment and back with a volunteer.e) Setting up a ride to your appointment and back with an agency.f) If you have special medical needs, setting up a ride to your appointment and back in a specialty vehicle, such as a wheelchair van.g) In certain cases, the broker may set up a ride to your appointment and back with a taxicab.The broker must follow MaineCare rules about what type of transportation they offer you. You must use whatever type of transportation the broker provides unless there is a health reason not to and a letter of medical necessity is sent to the broker from your doctor.
5. 5I have Medicare and MaineCare. Will I still be eligible for Non-Emergency Transportation services?Answer: If you have a full MaineCare benefit plan, you may be able to get transportation services paid for by MaineCare, if you are eligible. If you are on the Medicare Savings Program (such as QMB, SLMB and QI) and you do not have full MaineCare, you are not eligible to have MaineCare pay for transportation.

• Transportation-Document-B-Q&A.pdf

Penquis – Lynx Mobility Services – General Public -Transportation

Program Description:

Penquis is a nonprofit organization incorporated in 1967 to alleviate and eliminate the causes and conditions of poverty.

Through its programs and subsidiaries, Penquis impacts all of Maine’s sixteen counties, but primarily serves low- and moderate-income individuals in Penobscot, Piscataquis and Knox counties.

Our mission is to assist individuals and families in preventing, reducing, or eliminating poverty in their lives and, through partnerships, to engage the community in addressing economic and social needs.

Our vision is for a poverty-free Maine, where all people lead healthy lives full of opportunities to work and learn. Our goal is for all Maine people to be safe, healthy, connected and financially secure.

Our efforts are focused on helping families and communities make measurable improvements in five areas: financial security, reliable transportation, stable housing, school readiness and healthy lives.

• Service Area: Penobscot and Piscataquis counties.
• Transportation Services Provided: Shopping Medical appointments Work/Volunteering Recreation/Entertainment Visiting Family and Friends
• Eligibility Criteria: The following are eligible to receive transportation:

• The general public
• Those needing cancer treatment
• Those needing dialysis treatment
• Veterans
• Seniors
• People with disabilities
• People with a mental health diagnosis (see TAP form in downloads below)
• Individuals with low income

• Application Details: TO SIGN UP/SCHEDULE FOR RIDES:

• MaineCare Covered:Scheduling, cancellations and reimbursements, in Penobscot and Piscataquis County call 207-974-2420 or 1-855-437-5883.
• Scheduling, cancellations and reimbursements, in Kennebec and Somerset call 207-973-3605 or 1-844-736-7847.
• Non-MaineCare covered:Please call 973-3695 or email lynx@penquis.org.

• Other Details: 

1. 1Fees, hours, and days of service depend on where an individual resides and the town to which they are traveling.
2. 2General public transportation is available at least one day a week to every town in the Penobscot and Piscataquis counties.
3. 3Depending on available funding, many trips are free or have a small fee ranging from $0.50 – $7.00 per one-way trip.
4. 4All trips need to be scheduled three business days in advance of the trip.
5. 5Wheelchair accessibility vehicles are available on Monday – Friday from 7:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. They are not available on holidays, but we also use volunteer drivers and taxis during the days, evenings, and on weekends.