Seniors on the Go

By Andrea Busche

Today’s seniors are more active than ever. From visiting friends and grocery shopping to airline travel and more, our elder population has places to go and people to see.

While many seniors retain the ability to drive until their 80s and beyond, sometimes illness and injury can sideline one’s mobility, including the ability to drive. Conversely, some people would just prefer to relax and let someone else do the driving in their elder years.

When it comes to getting around town, seniors in the Twin Ports have a multitude of options. From daily errands, ranging from medical appointments and the supermarket, to a comfortable ride to the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport, the DuluthSuperior area has got it all. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!

DTA and STRIDE

Most of us are familiar with the sight of the DTA buses cruising around town. From Proctor and Duluth to Superior, the Duluth Transit Authority has a wide variety of bus routes available.

And, for those who may need a little extra help, the DTA also manages a service called STRIDE, which is a diala-ride transportation service for individuals with disabilities. STRIDE operates within 3/4 of a mile from the DTA’s regular routes in the cities of Superior, Proctor, Hermantown and Rice Lake and within the city boundaries of Duluth. STRIDE picks riders up directly from their homes.

Up to three companion riders, who need not be certified for STRIDE, may accompany a STRIDE rider if space permits. STRIDE riders must inform the scheduler about companion riders when the trip is scheduled, and companions must pay a fare. Personal care attendants can ride along for free.

STRIDE drivers are specially trained to provide assistance as needed by each passenger. Drivers will assist passengers onto the vehicle and assist them with seat belts and wheelchair securement. And, all STRIDE vehicles meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements.

Arrowhead Transit

Arrowhead Transit is a public bus system which is another dial-a-ride service. If you live within their service territory, you can simply call their dispatch line to arrange for your ride. A bus will pick you up right at your front door and drop you off where you need to go.

Arrowhead Transit’s dial-a-ride cities include:

• 7 days a week: Virginia, Grand Rapids, Cloquet, Hermantown and Pine City

• Monday - Saturday: International Falls

• Monday - Friday, plus Sunday: Grand Marais

• Monday - Friday: Two Harbors and Ely

• One or more days a week: Aitkin, Floodwood and Moose Lake.

Arrowhead Transit also has many bus routes that travel between cities.

Larry Rodgers, marketing coordinator for Arrowhead Transit, explained why this service is a good option for seniors.

“All of our buses are fully handicapped accessible, including a wheelchair/walker lift and room for three to five wheelchairs with tie downs on each bus. Our drivers are proactive, looking out for whatever needs our riders may have, including lending an arm to help a passenger get on the bus, carrying packages, or any type of emergency need.

“Our drivers make close connections to our riders,” Rodgers added. “It is not unusual, in certain areas like Grand Marais, for our drivers to be the ones who first recognize an emergency for someone who lives alone.”

Joyce Chopp of Virginia, Minn., is a regular Arrowhead Transit passenger. Chopp usually gets a ride to her volunteer job at Essentia Health, and then likes to walk back home. “It’s good to keep on moving,” she said.

Chopp appreciates the door-to-door service, especially in inclement weather.

“I like to take the bus when it’s slippery out, or when it’s wet or really hot,” she said.

Chopp has nothing but good things to say about the employees, particularly the drivers.

“They have wonderful drivers on that bus,” she said. “They are helpful and very pleasant.”

Senior Connections

Senior Connections, based in Superior, is another option for daily errands. Their Specialized Transportation program provides curb-to-curb transportation services for people who are age 55 and over, or people with a disability. Their vans are handicapped-accessible.