Free Transportation for Seniors in Vermont

By Maurice

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

Map of Free Transportation for Seniors in Vermont

List of Free Transportation for Seniors in Vermont

Age Well – Transportation Services

Program Description:

We are Age Well – the leading experts and advocates for the aging population of Northwestern Vermont. We believe that health happens at home and focus on lifestyle, happiness and wellness—not on age.

Since 1974, we have been part of Vermont’s Area Agencies on Aging, coordinating services and care for Addison, Chittenden, Franklin and Grand Isle Counties.

• Service Area:Addison, Chittenden, Franklin and Grand Isle Counties.
• Transportation Services Provided: Medical appointments, grocery shopping etc.
• Eligibility Criteria: The following are eligible to receive transportation:

• Adults age 60 and over.

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

• To arrange a ride, please contact the transit provider for the county you live in.Chittenden County – Special Services Transportation Agency (SSTA) – (802) 878-1527
• Addison County – Addison County Transit Resources (ACTR) – (802) 388-1946
• Franklin County – Green Mountain Transit Agency (GMTA) – (802) 527-2181
• Grand Isle County – C.I.D.E.R. – (802) 372-6425

• Other Details: 

1. 1Anyone desiring transportation should make their request at least 24 hours prior to the trip, with 48 hours or more notice being preferred.
2. 2Ongoing rides to the same location should be discussed with the transit provider.
3. 3All transit providers have specially equipped vans for people with wheelchairs or mobility limitations. A donation may be requested.

• Transportation – Age Well

Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging (SVCOA) – Transportation

Program Description:

The mission of the Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging (SVCOA) is to be a community force in creating and sustaining opportunities for elders and caregivers in our region to help assure that elders are able to maintain maximum independence and quality of life.

Transportation

Working in collaboration with a number of community transportation providers in Bennington and Rutland counties, SVCOA also helps to ensure that older Vermonters are able to get where they need to go, when they need to get there. Whether for regular, daily errands, important appointments, or to visit family and friends, SVCOA believes mobility, through easily-accessible public transportation, is critical to older Vermonters maintaining their independence and quality of life.

As a result, SVCOA provides transportation funding, as well as ride coordination, to eligible older Vermonters and younger individuals with disabilities.

• Service Area:Bennington and Rutland counties.
• Transportation Services Provided: Non-Medicaid critical care Non-Medicaid medical needs, Accessing congregate meals, Accessing Adult Day Services, Essential shopping needs, Vocational commitments, Social or personal needs
• Eligibility Criteria: The following are eligible to receive transportation:

• Older Vermonters and younger individuals with disabilities.

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

• SVCOA HelpLine at 1-800-642-5119.

• Other Details: 

1. 1Donations encouraged.

Marble Valley Regional Transit District – Medicaid Transportation

Program Description:

Marble Valley Regional Transit District offers a free Medicaid Transportation program for qualified Medicaid recipients. We work with those who need the service to authorize and arrange trips to medical, Reach-up and fair hearing appointments.

Trips may be provided and reimbursed through fixed routes, volunteers or taxi—depending on which is least expensive.

• Service Area:Rutland County.
• Transportation Services Provided: Medical, Reach-up and fair hearing appointments.
• Eligibility Criteria: The following are eligible to receive transportation:

• Must be a Medicaid recipient.

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

• For Rutland City Service, Call (802) 747-3502Out of Town Service, Call (802) 747-3502Long Distance Calls: (800) 339-3191TDD 711 Relay

• Other Details: 

1. 124 hour notice is required for transportation within Rutland City and 48 hour notice for out of area transport.
2. 2Transportation is offered free of charge.

Rural Community Transportation (RCT) – JAY-LYN EXPRESS

Program Description:

Rural Community Transportation, Inc. (RCT), is a private nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation that provides public transportation services throughout Caledonia, Orleans, Essex, and Lamoille Counties.

RCT operates fare-free shuttle and commuter bus routes which allow connections between towns in our region as well as the ability to travel throughout Vermont and beyond.

In addition, RCT provides demand-response transportation services under several programs, such as Medicaid, the Elderly & Persons with Disabilities program, and Rides 2 Wellness. Using our network of dedicated volunteer and staff drivers, RCT provided over 300,000 rides in the fiscal year 2019.The Jay-Lyn, the Highlander, and all shopping routes have deviated routes that are Wheelchair Accessible, ADA Compliant, and open to the General Public

• Service Area:St. Johnsbury and Lyndonville.
• Transportation Services Provided: Public Transport.
• Eligibility Criteria: The following are eligible to receive transportation:

• General Public.

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

• If you live within 3/4 mile of the shuttle route and would like to ride the shuttle, please call (802) 748-8170.Route Map

• Other Details: 

1. 1Call one business day in advance between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm to schedule a ride.
2. 2JAY-LYN EXPRESSA general public route between St. Johnsbury and Lyndonville, making nine (9) round trips per day. Begins at 5:15 am and ending in Lyndonville at 6:10 pm.
3. 3Transportation is provided free of charge.

Rural Community Transportation (RCT) – The Highlander

Program Description:

Rural Community Transportation, Inc. (RCT), is a private nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation that provides public transportation services throughout Caledonia, Orleans, Essex, and Lamoille Counties.

RCT operates fare-free shuttle and commuter bus routes which allow connections between towns in our region as well as the ability to travel throughout Vermont and beyond.

In addition, RCT provides demand-response transportation services under several programs, such as Medicaid, the Elderly & Persons with Disabilities program, and Rides 2 Wellness. Using our network of dedicated volunteer and staff drivers, RCT provided over 300,000 rides in the fiscal year 2019.The Jay-Lyn, the Highlander, and all shopping routes have deviated routes that are Wheelchair Accessible, ADA Compliant, and open to the General Public

• Service Area:Newport, Derby and Derby Line.
• Transportation Services Provided: Public Transport.
• Eligibility Criteria: The following are eligible to receive transportation:

• General Public.

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

• If you live within 3/4 mile of the shuttle route and would like to ride the shuttle, please call (802) 748-8170.Route Map

• Other Details: 

1. 1Call one business day in advance between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm to schedule a ride.
2. 2THE HIGHLANDERA general public route between Newport, Derby and Derby line that makes four (4) round trips a day starting at the State Garage in Derby at 7:15 am, and leaving Derby the last time at 3:40 pm.
3. 3Transportation is provided free of charge.

Rural Community Transportation (RCT) – Morrisville Loop

Program Description:

Rural Community Transportation, Inc. (RCT), is a private nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation that provides public transportation services throughout Caledonia, Orleans, Essex, and Lamoille Counties.

RCT operates fare-free shuttle and commuter bus routes which allow connections between towns in our region as well as the ability to travel throughout Vermont and beyond.

In addition, RCT provides demand-response transportation services under several programs, such as Medicaid, the Elderly & Persons with Disabilities program, and Rides 2 Wellness. Using our network of dedicated volunteer and staff drivers, RCT provided over 300,000 rides in the fiscal year 2019.

• Service Area:Morrisville.
• Transportation Services Provided: Public Transport.
• Eligibility Criteria: The following are eligible to receive transportation:

• General Public.

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

• If you live within 3/4 mile of the shuttle route and would like to ride the shuttle, please call (802) 748-8170.Route Map

• Other Details: 

1. 1Call one business day in advance between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm to schedule a ride.
2. 2Transportation is provided free of charge.

Rural Community Transportation (RCT) – Free Shopping Routes

Program Description:

Rural Community Transportation, Inc. (RCT), is a private nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation that provides public transportation services throughout Caledonia, Orleans, Essex, and Lamoille Counties.

RCT operates fare-free shuttle and commuter bus routes which allow connections between towns in our region as well as the ability to travel throughout Vermont and beyond.

In addition, RCT provides demand-response transportation services under several programs, such as Medicaid, the Elderly & Persons with Disabilities program, and Rides 2 Wellness. Using our network of dedicated volunteer and staff drivers, RCT provided over 300,000 rides in the fiscal year 2019.

FREE SHOPPING ROUTES We have exciting news! The Johnson Shopper and the Greanleaf Shopper have resumed operation. We are running the routes at 50% capacity. The Johnson Shopper runs the 1st and 3rd Thursday each month, and the Greanleaf runs the 2nd and 4th Tuesday each month. As always masks are required and we are working hard to keep you safe and get you where you need to go.

• Service Area:Island Pond, Morgan, Newport and Charleston, Glover, Barton, Derby Lyndonville, Woodsville Johnson, Morrisville
• Transportation Services Provided: Public Transport.
• Eligibility Criteria: The following are eligible to receive transportation:

• General Public.

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

• ISLAND POND SHOPPERA shopping route that operates throughout Island Pond, Morgan, Derby, Newport and Charleston.
• KINGDOM SHOPPERA shopping route that operates from Island Pond, through Glover and Barton, to Derby and Back.
• GREENLEAF SHOPPERA shopping route that operates from Lyndonville to Woodsville, NH and back.
• JOHNSON SHOPPERA shopping route that operates from Johnson to Morrisville and back.
• MORRISVILLE LOOPA shopping route that operates thoughout Morrisville.
• MORRISVILLE SHOPPINGA shopping route that operates from Morrisville to Stowe and back.

• Other Details: 

1. 1Transportation is provided free of charge.

Essex Senior Center – Essex Senior Van

Program Description:

Did you know that Essex is the only community in the state of Vermont to offer free Senior Van transportation for residents? Any resident of the Town of Essex (including Essex Junction) over the age of 60 may use the senior van for in-town rides at no cost.

Examples of how our seniors use the van: trips to the gym, doctor and hairdresser appointments, grocery shopping or visiting friends/family.

• Service Area:Town of Essex (including Essex Junction)
• Transportation Services Provided: Trips to the gym, doctor and hairdresser appointments, grocery shopping or visiting friends/family.
• Eligibility Criteria: The following are eligible to receive transportation:

• Any resident of the Town of Essex (including Essex Junction) over the age of 60.

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

• Please call the friendly senior van volunteers at 802-878-6940 between 9 a.m. and Noon, Monday through Friday, or the Senior Center Coordinator at 876-5087, Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to request an application to ride.

• Other Details: 

1. 1The vans are equipped with a wheelchair lift and operate 9 a.m. to 4.m. Monday through Friday.
2. 2Transportation is provided free of cost.
3. 3There are even a few locations across the border into Williston and Colchester that transportation is provided for medical appointments.

Green Mountain Transit – Public Transportation

Program Description:

The Green Mountain Transit (GMT) was chartered in 1973 by the Vermont General Assembly after the private bus operator went out of business.

GMT serves the communities of Burlington, Essex, South Burlington, Shelburne, Williston, Winooski, Milton, Hinesburg, and a portion of Colchester. LINK Express routes serve Montpelier, Middlebury, and St. Albans commuters. GMT is considered a municipality and is the first and only transit authority in the State of Vermont. In 2011, Chittenden County Transportation Authority (CCTA) and the Green Mountain Transit Agency (GMTA) became a single unified organization, making CCTA the first and only regional transit authority in the State of Vermont. In 2016, the agency became Green Mountain Transit (GMT). GMT is currently governed by a 13-member Board of Commissioners, with two commissioners representing Burlington and one commissioner representing each of the following; South Burlington, Winooski, Essex, Shelburne, Williston, Milton, Hinesburg, Washington County, Lamoille County, Franklin County, and Grand Isle County.

• Service Area:Mad River Valley, Stowe/Lamoille County, Franklin/Grand Isle Counties, Capital District, Chittenden County.
• Transportation Services Provided: Public Transport.
• Eligibility Criteria: The following are eligible to receive transportation:

• General Public.

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

• To view GMT’s interactive map, complete with bus stop locations, please visit our homepage.For passengers who are looking for assistance planning their trip, please visit the GMT Trip Planner.

• Other Details: 

1. 1GMT will remain fare free through June 30, 2022.

Special Services Transportation Agency – Volunteer Community Drivers

Program Description:

Special Services Transportation Agency is a private not-for-profit corporation operating out of Colchester, VT. The organization was started in May 1982 with just one van in response to the need in Chittenden County for transportation services for the elderly and disabled.

SSTA’s mission is to provide accessible transportation for people who have specialized mobility needs.Many individuals have difficulty using conventional modes of transportation, such as cars and buses because of a physical or mental disability. For these people, SSTA’s service may be the only transportation that they can use.SSTA currently has more than 50 vehicles in its fleet. Of these vehicles, 30 are lift equipped for wheelchairs. We are constantly growing, and are providing an average of over 600 to 700 rides per day. The organization currently employs over 70 full and part time employees.SSTA provides coordinated transportation service to many area human service agencies. A few examples are the Visiting Nurse Association’s Adult Day Programs, Champlain Senior Center (an important meal site for many Burlington Elders), Howard Community Health Services, and Age Well.

• Service Area:Colchester, VT.
• Transportation Services Provided: Medical and personal services, accomplish banking and shopping, and participate in community senior activities.
• Eligibility Criteria: The following are eligible to receive transportation:

• Elderly and disabled residents living in Chittenden County.
• People who have specialized mobility needs.

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

• Please Contact: 878-1527

• Other Details: 

1. 1Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM to schedule trips.
2. 2All rides must be booked 24 to 48 hours (depending on the program that you are eligible to use) and before 4:30 PM before the day the ride is needed.
3. 3Donations encouraged.

United Way of Northwest Vermont – Neighbor Rides

Program Description:

Neighbor Rides is a project of United Way of Northwest Vermont that brings people and places together to help meet the transportation needs of seniors and persons with disabilities.

We are supported by a dynamic group of community partners who help use volunteer drivers to leverage government and community-funded transportation programs to help move our community.

Neighbor Rides volunteers use their personal vehicle to transport seniors and persons with disabilities to life-sustaining and life-enriching activities. We recruit and train volunteers, then refer them to one of our partners, Special Services Transportation Agency (SSTA), to coordinate trip requests and rides for passengers.

SSTA matches and dispatches vetted, qualified volunteers to transport seniors and persons with disabilities who have no appropriate means of personal or public transportation available. When a trip request meets guidelines and can be efficiently matched with a volunteer driver, SSTA puts them together to make it happen.

• Service Area:Chittenden County.
• Transportation Services Provided: Life-sustaining and life-enriching activities.
• Eligibility Criteria: The following are eligible to receive transportation:

• Seniors and persons with disabilities who have no appropriate means of personal or public transportation available.

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

• Please Contact Special Services Transportation Agency (SSTA) 878-1527

• Other Details: 

1. 1Donations encouraged.

Castleton Community Center – Dignified Senior Transportation

Program Description:

Castleton Community Seniors, Inc. (CCS) was formed in 1998 and received non-profit status in September of 1999. CCS owns and operates the Castleton Community Center at 2108 Main Street (formerly known as The Old Homestead).

The building is a restored historic home, donated to the town by the estate of Alma Gibbs Donchian. CCS is an organization of over 500 members.

• Service Area:Rutland, Rutland County
• Transportation Services Provided: Details not available on the website.
• Eligibility Criteria: The following are eligible to receive transportation:

• Seniors and disabled residents of Castleton and surrounding towns.

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

• Please Contact: 802-468-3093.

• Other Details: 

1. 1Over 2,800 rides are provided annually.
2. 2The van operates 8 hours each day, 5 days a week with 24-hour notice to schedule a ride.
3. 3Donations encouraged.

RSVP & The Volunteer Center – One-2-One Volunteer Transportation

Program Description:

RSVP and The Volunteer Center is an “Invitation to Serve” program for people who want to make a difference, get involved and enjoy the experience of volunteering.

We serve individuals and organizations in Rutland and Addison Counties. One-2-One is a program that serves Rutland County seniors aged 60 and over. RSVP & The Volunteer Center volunteers provide the services. Caring and compassionate volunteers help individuals maintain their independence by providing transportation to essential services appointments for Rutland County residents.

• Service Area:Rutland County
• Transportation Services Provided: Medical and Dental appointments.
• Eligibility Criteria: The following are eligible to receive transportation:

• Rutland County seniors aged 60 and over.

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

• For more information or to schedule services call: 802.775.4318
• one2onersvp@gmail.com

• Other Details: 

1. 1Donations encouraged.
2. 2Please allow 3-5 business days for services to be scheduled.
3. 3Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

Rutland Regional Medical Center – Bridges and Beyond Volunteer Driver Program

Program Description:

The biggest community hospital in Vermont and the second largest hospital in the state, Rutland Regional Medical Center has been providing high quality healthcare to the Rutland Region for more than 100 years.

As the needs of our community have grown and changed, so has Rutland Regional, adding services, staff and facilities. Today, Rutland Regional Medical Center is a 144-bed hospital, employing over 1,600 professional and support staff including 242 providers trained in 37 specialty areas.

Bridges & Beyond:Bridges & Beyond ride services are provided by volunteers who have been trained and screened by the hospital. While Bridges & Beyond tries to accommodate all requests, our ability to do so is limited by volunteer availability, and priority is given to medical appointments.

• Service Area:Rutland County
• Transportation Services Provided: Doctor’s appointments; Pharmacy visits; Shopping & errands (based on availability)
• Eligibility Criteria: The following are eligible to receive transportation:

• Senior and disabled resident of Rutland county.

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

• To request a ride, please call the Bridges & Beyond office at 802.747.3710 or email us at BridgesAndBeyond@rrmc.org. Please Complete the application.After reviewing your application, our staff will be in touch to inform you of next steps.

• Other Details: 

1. 1We also transport clients out of Rutland County if they are seeking medical treatment or consultation at a hospital or affiliated medical office.
2. 2The Bridges & Beyond program is free to our clients.
3. 3There may be times when we must limit the number of rides and miles traveled per individual. For example, if you need to go to an appointment five days a week, it is possible we may ask you to arrange other means of transportation for two of those days, and we will try to provide for the other three.

• BRIDGES & BEYOND PROGRAM GUIDELINES

Neighbor to Neighbor – Transportation Services

Program Description:

Neighbor to Neighbor is a project of the Interfaith Council of the Northshire. We are a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Neighbor to Neighbor was established in 2004 to address the unmet needs of our

older, disabled, and housebound residents allowing them age in place as long as possible. Our goal is to reach everyone who needs assistance regardless of age or economic status.

Currently, we offer non-medical assistance with activities such as transportation, friendly visits, running errands, food shopping, and other small tasks.

Neighbor to Neighbor helps seniors in Southern Vermont remain independent and allows them to stay in their own homes. We provide a variety of services to them at no-cost.

• Service Area:Arlington, Bondville, Danby, Dorset, Manchester, Pawlet, Rupert
• Transportation Services Provided: Grocery shopping, errands and more.
• Eligibility Criteria: The following are eligible to receive transportation:

• Seniors living in Southern Vermont.

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

• Please Contact: 802.367.7787

• Other Details: 

1. 1Transportation is provided free of cost.

• About N2N | Neighbor to Neighbor

Deerfield Valley Transit Authority – MOOver – Elderly and Disabled Services

Program Description:

Southeast Vermont Transit (SEVT) is the parent non-profit corporation that operates the Current in Rockingham and the MOOver in Wilmington.

The two regions merged in 2015 and have recently re-branded as the Rockingham MOOver and the Wilmington MOOver. We are one of Vermont’s seven designated public transit operators serving Windham and southern Windsor Counties. We provide rides by bus, van, and volunteer.

• Service Area:Windham County and the southern portion of Windsor County.
• Transportation Services Provided: Non-emergency medical trips including prescription pickup.Critical care trips for kidney dialysis and cancer treatments.Congregate meal sites and meals on wheels deliveries.Congregate shopping trips.Personal care trips.
• Eligibility Criteria: The following are eligible to receive transportation:

• Age 60 or over and for persons with ADA-defined disabilities.

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

• Please Contact: 1-888-869-6287 or 802-460-7433

• Other Details: 

1. 1Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm.
2. 2Transportation is provided free of charge.

Deerfield Valley Transit Authority – MOOver – Medicaid Rides

Program Description:

Southeast Vermont Transit (SEVT) is the parent non-profit corporation that operates the Current in Rockingham and the MOOver in Wilmington.

The two regions merged in 2015 and have recently re-branded as the Rockingham MOOver and the Wilmington MOOver. We are one of Vermont’s seven designated public transit operators serving Windham and southern Windsor Counties. We provide rides by bus, van, and volunteer.

• Service Area:Windham County and the southern portion of Windsor County.
• Transportation Services Provided: Non-emergency medical appointments.
• Eligibility Criteria: The following are eligible to receive transportation:

• Windham or southern Windsor County residents who are approved for Medicaid transportation and dont have access to a vehicle.

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

• Please Contact: 1-888-869-6287 or 802-460-7433

• Other Details: 

1. 1Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm.
2. 2Transportation is provided free of charge.

Green Mountain Community Network – Green Mountain Express (GMX) – Public Transportation

Program Description:

The Green Mountain Community Network, Inc., a private not-for-profit organization was founded in early 2007, to manage the Green Mtn. Express, which

has safely and efficiently provided transportation services in and around Bennington County, VT since 1985. Overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors and experienced management team, GMCN is funded in part by the State of Vermont Transportation Budget, the Federal Transit Administration and Medicaid.

The Green Mountain Express (GMX) is the leading transportation alternative for area residents. GMX is a full service transit provider, offering deviated fixed bus routes, demand response, Medicaid, Reach-up, elder/disabled transportation and private pay services. The GMX System is a safe, accessible, affordable, reliable way to shop, socialize, travel to or from work, keep appointments, or do errands.

• Service Area:Bennington County
• Transportation Services Provided: Public Transport.
• Eligibility Criteria: The following are eligible to receive transportation:

• General Public.

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

• Please call 802-447-0477 for more information;Regular office hours are: Monday – Friday, 8:00AM – 5:00PM.

• Other Details: 

1. 1Deviated Fixed Route Services include: Bennington to Manchester, Bennington to Pownal and on to Williamstown, MA, Bennington to Wilmington, North Bennington, Shaftsbury, as well as, around the town and up to Southern VT College; Route costs and times vary please see our schedule.
2. 2Our Deviated Fixed Route service complies with American with Disabilities Act (ADA), GMX vehicles will deviate up to 1/4 of a mile off their route to provide requested transportation services. Advance notice of one day is required; Fee for this deviated service is twice the original cost of the published fare.
3. 3Elderly, Disabled and Visually Impaired Services include the general public and our area partners: Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC), United Counseling Services (UCS), Bennington Project Independence (BPI), Southwestern VT Council on Aging (SWVCOA) and VT Assoc. for the Blind and Visually Impaired (VABVI).
4. 4Demand Response (or Dial-a-Ride) is based on vehicle and driver availability.