Are there any simple resources for free or cost-effective elderly transportation services?

I don't know why my answer did not post so here I go again. If need be, call the Reference Desk in the local library for phone numbers. Call the Office on Aging for advice. Perhaps check with the local churches. Also contact Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) - they are all volunteers who help people over 55. Good luck.

Try contacting the churches if they would help. Also see if there is a Retired Volunteer (RSVP program nearby. This is funded by the state and has many volunteers who do good deeds for people over 55. Also contact the local Office on Aging. If you have trouble finding these numbers, call the reference desk in the local library. Good luck.

Department on Aging in your city or county usually has some transport available, or a service that provides transportation with driver to do so on a regular basis. Sounds spry for an older gal!! Way to go! Nice of you to look out for her too!  Ask her if she would be interested in meals on wheels or a home delivery service that will bring fresh ingredients to her door for her to cook herself.  Her wanting to pick out the foods herself may be her way to maintain her independence and show she CAN care for herself and her daily walks a routine she is used to having as well.  Perhaps asking if she would like some company on her daily walk may help give both of you some peace of mind in the interim of finding someone to drive her. 

We have a County-wide transportation service here. We have to call a few days in advance to make reservations to be picked up. They also make regular trips to local groceries and places like Walmart, scheduled on certain days of the week. If you are below a certain income level, you ride for free and so can a person who accompanies you. We have buses who also have wheelchair lifts. They don't travel outside our county, but it's a very convenient service.

I live in northern Calif. I found a local transport service who served people with disabilities. My mother would take her short bus ride from her Center to our home where I would meet her. She had to income qualify for this service I believe. It's been so long now I'm not sure but there might be something similar in your area. I found the people who served to be attentive and caring.

You said "She's collapsed several times on the way back (from the grocery store.)" Someone needs to plan for when just shopping in the store will be too much of a strain on this 90+ woman. I am an 86 year old woman who recently walked two miles on mostly uphill sidewalks in an emergency situation. But in general -- despite having a taxi driver taking me both ways and bringing my bags of food into my ground floor kitchen -- I realized that just buying my food, putting it away and preparing it was becoming a strain on me. I recently moved to an independent living facility that provides three meals a day and an accessible cooler filled with snacks. The residence also provides van transportation to Walmart, where I buy fresh fruit to supplement the meals provided here. I feel secure in knowing that even on days I don't feel well, I can eat well. And if I collapse, the kitchen staff will call 911. Listen to the contributors here who advised contacting a social worker or local agency serving the elderly.

There are some subscription transportation services for seniors who pay a nominal monthly fee for a vetted transportation service - like "elder- uber". I know of one in the Raleigh-Durham that works with my parents and they love it. I believe it is "callargo" - they do all of the coordination and my parents can just call them in real time for a run to the store, hair dresser or movie theater . They also take care of their medical appointments - which is nice. Mom feels comfortable with the drivers- she can even request her favorites. It makes it nice for me, knowing they can age in place - and still get out and around town for a reasonable price.

The Sr Center my mother belongs to has a "bus"--and will take people on errands for a nominal fee. The only caveat is that it is pretty selective about which stores they go to, how long they'll "hang around" and they do not do dr visit's or going to the mall for a walkabout visit. They'll pick you up (if you are in the boundary system) and take you to the Center, from there they make several "runs". You do not have a huge choice of grocery stores, and they won't take a "single" rider--that's just not cost effective. So far mother has been able to always have a "driving friend" (but at age 87, those are becoming scarce)...and she will use me sometimes, but she has a really hard time getting in and out of my car and I cannot lift nor help her (she has little muscle tone and can't lift her legs) Brother bears the most of this burden, as she lives with him and he works night shifts.
I KNOW that if her church group knew she needed lifts places someone would certainly oblige. Also, I know some elders are using Uber drivers. This would be more costly, but if you have a little extra to spend, they would work (if parent is able to work a cell phone--that's a must with Ubers).
Many grocery stores deliver for a small fee, but my mom has to touch everything she buys, and grocery shopping is a huge deal to her.
When I run errands with her, I sit down and make a list and make it all in one "go". Otherwise I'd be running her somewhere every day. Good Luck with this. The very big down side of parents not being able to drive any longer.

If there is public transportation many have low cost or free pick up for seniors.
Many villages have a Senior Center that may provide transportation or a Volunteer Network that has volunteers that will take someone shopping.
If your neighbor is a member of a Church many churches have volunteer groups that will provide transportation.

Absolutely! Check with your town's Council on Aging. My mother had one, that took her to grocery shopping or Dr's for a nominal fee.

Here are some links you may find helpful: http://www.ladottransit. com/other/cityride/
https://www.go511. com/busesandtrains/seniorservices
Nice of you to look out for your neighbor.

Dear ibg,

Good of you to look out for your neighbor. I wonder if you would consider contacting a social worker? Your neighbor sounds very independent but I worry about her safety. Or perhaps contacting the City about transit services for the elderly. I think there must be a Handi Bus service or free taxi chits she could use, but she might need help filling out some paperwork.