Retiring from driving doesn’t have to mean losing your independence. Ease your transition by becoming familiar with the alternative transportation options in your community.
PUBLIC TRANSIT
Riding the bus is a safe, convenient and environmentally friendly way to get around in most of Alberta’s larger cities—provided you know your routes and schedules. Before you stop driving, start learning how to get to your primary destinations, like your doctor’s office, community centre and grocery store. Fares are often discounted for seniors (an annual pass in Calgary, for example, is just $135), and additional services exist for seniors with more serious mobility challenges.
VOLUNTEER DRIVERS
Organizations in Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer and some smaller cities have pre-vetted volunteer drivers to escort seniors to medical and other appointments. Advance booking is usually required, and you ride in volunteers’ own vehicles. To learn the ropes, consider offering your own services while you’re still behind the wheel.
PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION
Get to know taxi companies and other private transport services that operate in your area. Driving Miss Daisy is one such outfit—and it’s specifically for seniors, to boot! Many taxi operators also offer senior discounts.
MORE TO READ
The importance of being proactive about evaluating your driving skills as you age, and what you need to do to renew your driver’s licence at 75
CARPOOLING
It may require extra planning and coordination, but hitching an occasional ride with family members or friends can be another way to get around town.
WALKING
This isn’t an option for everyone, but as urban planners and politicians increasingly recognize the need for walkability in Alberta communities, you may find main routes retrofitted with wider sidewalks, safer pedestrian crossings and better signage to make running errands and general ambling easier.
WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED
Visit an AMA centre—on your own or with your family—or call 1-800-642-3810 to talk to us about your senior driving journey. See ama.ab.ca/SeniorDrivers for more information.