Maryland Health Care Commission

Consumer Guide to Long Term Care

Transportation Assistance

You may need help or transportation to get to medical appointments, shopping for food or other necessities, or for social activities. The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) provides several transportation programs and services for senior citizens and individuals with disabilities.There is also local transportation available through your county or community that may provide transportation. Assistance options presented on this page include: Mobility/Paratransit, the Reduced Fare Card Program, MDOT, the MTA Taxi Access Service, Local Transportation options, and Driver Safety Information.

Mobility/Paratransit

A specialized, curb-to-curb service for people with disabilities who are not able to ride fixed-route public transportation (the term "fixed route" refers to a regular bus, light rail or subway route). Mobility/Paratransit service is provided within three-quarters of a mile of any fixed-route service in Baltimore City and Baltimore & Anne Arundel counties. There is a cost to mobility service: the one-way cash fare is $1.85 as of August 2010.

Call 410-764-8181 for more information or go to the web site at http://mta.maryland.gov/mobility/.

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Reduced Fare Card Program

Senior citizens, 65 years and older, can ride local Bus, Light Rail and Metro Subway for approximately one-third the regular fare, and approximately one-half the regular fare on MARC Train service. To participate in the reduced fare program, you must get an ID card. Senior photo ID cards are issued at various locations throughout the MTA service area. Call 410-767-3441 or use the web site to find out where you can apply. http://mta.maryland.gov/senior-reduced-fare-program.

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MDOT

MDOT publishes a list of full service gas stations by county in Maryland for citizens who need assistance pumping gas. The list includes name and address of station, phone number and gas brand name. Full service gas stations are available in twenty-two (22) counties and Baltimore City (only Wicomico County does not have a station on the latest list). There are over 160 gas stations on the list which can be found at this link: http://www.mdot.maryland.gov/ADA/Access%20to%20Gas%20Pumps%202007.

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MTA Taxi Access Service

The MTA Taxi Access Service is available to MTA-certified Mobility customers who meet the eligibility requirements. Taxi Access Service is not part of MTA Mobility Service, but rather a separate and distinct MTA service provided under contract with participating area taxicab and sedan companies. Call 410-764-8181 for more information or visit the web site located at: http://www.taxiaccess.org/.

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Local Transportation

Some locations in Maryland particularly rural counties may have limited public transportation. Look for your city or county government web page for local transportation information. The link that follows will take you to a list of county web pages in Maryland: http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/mdmanual/01glance/html/transloc.html.

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Senior Driver Information

Today, there are more than 18.9 million licensed drivers in the U.S. who are 70 or older. A leading cause of accidental death among older persons is automobile crashes. While health problems can affect driving at any age, some occur more often as drivers get older. Declining vision, limited mobility and slower reflexes have a profound impact on the ability to operate a motor vehicle. If you still drive your own car, you can take advantage of some helpful tips and links for older drivers: http://www.marylandmva.com/DriverSafety/Older/default.htm.

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