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
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.
- 1Anyone desiring transportation should make their request at least 24 hours prior to the trip, with 48 hours or more notice being preferred.
- 2Ongoing rides to the same location should be discussed with the transit provider.
- 3All transit providers have specially equipped vans for people with wheelchairs or mobility limitations. A donation may be requested.
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.
- 1Donations encouraged.
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.
- 124 hour notice is required for transportation within Rutland City and 48 hour notice for out of area transport.
- 2Transportation is offered free of charge.
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
- 1Call one business day in advance between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm to schedule a ride.
- 2JAY-LYN EXPRESS
A 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. - 3Transportation is provided free of charge.
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
- 1Call one business day in advance between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm to schedule a ride.
- 2THE HIGHLANDER
A 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. - 3Transportation is provided free of charge.
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.
- 1Call one business day in advance between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm to schedule a ride.
- 2Transportation is provided free of charge.
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.
- 1Transportation is provided free of charge.
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.
- 1The vans are equipped with a wheelchair lift and operate 9 a.m. to 4.m. Monday through Friday.
- 2Transportation is provided free of cost.
- 3There are even a few locations across the border into Williston and Colchester that transportation is provided for medical appointments.
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.
- 1GMT will remain fare free through June 30, 2022.
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.
- 1Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM to schedule trips.
- 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.
- 3Donations encouraged.
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.
- 1Donations encouraged.
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.
- 1Over 2,800 rides are provided annually.
- 2The van operates 8 hours each day, 5 days a week with 24-hour notice to schedule a ride.
- 3Donations encouraged.
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.
- 1Donations encouraged.
- 2Please allow 3-5 business days for services to be scheduled.
- 3Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
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.
- 1We also transport clients out of Rutland County if they are seeking medical treatment or consultation at a hospital or affiliated medical office.
- 2The Bridges & Beyond program is free to our clients.
- 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.
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.
- 1Transportation is provided free of cost.
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.
- 1Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm.
- 2Transportation is provided free of charge.
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.
- 1Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm.
- 2Transportation is provided free of charge.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 4Demand Response (or Dial-a-Ride) is based on vehicle and driver availability.
