Frequently Asked Questions about transportation options for elderly and disabled people living in rural Middle Tennessee.
Elderly and disabled people living outside of Davidson County have unique transportation needs and options. While not entirely comprehensive, here are some of the transportation options available for rural Middle Tennesseans.
What kind of public transportation is available?
Mid-Cumberland Public Transit offers flexible curb to curb transportation for those living in all 12 Greater Nashville counties, particularly rural communities without public transportation options. Rides are first call, first served, with medical appointments given scheduling priority. 24-to-72-hour advance notice is requested when scheduling a trip, depending on the distance traveled. For those who need assistance during transport a Personal Care Attendant is welcome without the cost of additional fare.
For riders with disabilities Mid-Cumberland Public Transit works to provide reasonable modifications to allow for equal opportunities for transit accessibility, as dictated by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The cost of rides is determined by distance, number of stops and county lines crossed, but can be as low as $2.00 to $3.00 one way. Read More, including what numbers to call to schedule a ride based on county, on the MCHRA (Mid Cumberland Human Resource Agency) Transit Website.
In addition to Mid-Cumberland Public Transit, some municipalities offer public transit options within city limits. Some of these include:
- Murfreesboro Transit system, also referred to as Rover, which offers fixed route transportation within the city Monday through Saturday. Reduced fares are available for senior citizens, individuals with disabilities and youth aged 6 to 16 years old. Each bus on Murfreesboro Transit is accessible to passengers in wheelchairs and paratransit options are available through the Mid-Cumberland Human Resources Agency.
- Clarksville Transit System (CTS) implements and maintains public transportation to promote mobility throughout the city. CTS services operate Monday - Saturday from 4:30am - 9pm. Transit fares can be purchased on buses with exact change, or at the CTS transit center, 430 Boilin Lane in Clarksville, TN 37040. Reduced fares are available to people with disabilities, Medicare recipients or those 65 or older who complete the Half-Fare ID Care application. Paratransit services are provided by “The Lift” to qualified disabled and elderly passengers who complete a paratransit application and schedule their ride a day in advance. Paratransit rides through CTS cost $2.50 per ride and can be scheduled by using the online portal or by calling (931)553-2470.
- The Franklin Transit Authority offers a fixed route transit system with Franklin City limits. Services run 6:30am - 6pm, Monday - Friday, and 8:30am - 6pm on Saturdays. Fares for Seniors 65 or older, with ID or Medicare card, are $0.50 per ride. Exact fare or purchase of tickets ahead of time is required. Tickets can be purchased online or in person at the Downtown Transit Center located at 708 Columbia Avenue. Curb-to-curb paratransit is also available through Transit on Demand (TODD). TODD reservations require at least 24 hours notice and can serve most areas in the city of Franklin. The number of reservations available each day are limited and individuals with ADA-eligibility take priority for scheduled ride. Cost of rides is dependent on distance and zone. Call (615) 628-0260 to schedule a TODD ride.
Are there other options besides public transportation?
- Community Life Ride is a volunteer-driven, affordable membership program, for adults 60 or older who no longer drive. Community Life Ride currently services Sumner County, primarily for Hendersonville, Gallatin, and Portland. To begin the application process for rider membership, visit the more information form on the Community Life Ride website, or call (615)431-2660.
- Wilson Rides operates a volunteer driver program for residents of Wilson County who are 55 or older and no longer driving, Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm. To become a rider, individuals must complete an application and submit an initial $49 deposit, which will cover annual membership and a rider’s first four rides if admitted into the program. Wilson Rides also performs a home evaluation to confirm eligibility. Annual membership is $25, with each round-trip costing $6. Rides must be scheduled 7 days in advance. Learn more about the program or schedule a ride by calling (615)622-5557.
- GoGo Grandparent connects seniors with on-demand rideshare options such as Uber or Lyft, without the need for a smartphone or downloaded apps. Memberships start at $14.99 a month and includes 24/7 call center access, assistance with navigating rideshare services, and monitoring before and during service. In addition to rides, GoGo Grandparent offer meal, grocery, and prescription delivery, as well as connects seniors to home services such as landscaping and handiwork. Once participants register online, they can begin using the service by calling (855) 464-6872.
- The Tennessee Commission on Aging & Disability (TCAD) offers an Interactive Statewide Transportation Map with a comprehensive list of transportation services, and their contact information, from across the state.
Have more questions? Call Our Helpline
Call our Information and Assistance Hotline to learn more about any of GNRC's programs and services. 615-255-1010 or 866-836-6678