Transportation

One of the most significant challenges to independence that seniors face while aging, comes with stopping driving or choosing responsibly to give up your license. For decades, you have driven where and when you wanted, but with time and aging comes driving difficulty. Whatever the reason, giving up your license or limiting your driving is a decision that comes with the fear of losing your independence. Luckily, for Huntington Beach seniors, there is a handy alternative to help, with the Surf City Seniors On the Go Transportation Program. It is not an end all solution to aging independence, but it is a helpful and convenient companion in your aging journey.

Program rides are available 5 days a week from 8:30am to 4pm for seniors age 60+ who live independently in HB. It will take you anywhere you want to go in the city for errands, shopping, doctors’ appts., grocery shopping, personal care appointments, to meet friends, and much more. The service will also transport you to Fountain Valley Hospital, OC Memorial Medical Center in FV, the Social Security office in FV, and to the Hoag Hospital campus in Newport Beach. The service operates as an on demand return system. This means once you are finished at your destination and ready to return home or onto your next stop, simply call the dispatch line and the next available vehicle will be sent to get you right away. A simple and efficient way to navigate throughout your day.

Registration for the service is simple and can be completed entirely from the comfort of your home. Call the dispatch line at (714) 374-1742 and leave a message with your name and phone number. A friendly dispatcher will return your call in the afternoon and help you to complete the enrollment process over the telephone. A relative or friend can also assist you in signing-up for the service and booking rides if you have difficulty with the telephone. Once you have registered you are free to book your rides through the dispatch line as you need. A five day advance notice is required for a guaranteed ride booking, shorter notice trips are accommodated as the schedule permits.

With Seniors On the Go you are free to enjoy the ride instead of stressing over having to focus on the road and traffic. It makes your daily chores a fun outing instead of a nuisance. One of the best features of the service is the grocery shopping groups. Residents can join a shopping group and be taken to the store twice a month on a designated day. The groups are based on where you live and many passengers enjoy getting to know their neighbors while on the bus. During shopping groups there are volunteer escorts to assist you. They can help reach for items, read labels or signs for you, as well as assist you in lifting items off the shelf. When you return to your residence, the escorts and driver also assist you in getting your groceries off the bus and to your door. You are welcome to bring along a small wheelie cart to assist you in carrying your groceries into your home if you wish.

Giving up your license or even just needing short term driving assistance does not have to mean giving up your independence, if anything it just means giving up some stress in your daily life. Stay active and stay well in your community, while you enjoy one of the many perks of aging in HB. Sign-up to ride with the Surf City Seniors On the Go service today. The program is made possible by a partnership through the Orange County Transportation Authority, Hoag Hospital, and the City of Huntington Beach. There is no fee for the service and donations are accepted.