Transportation

Transportation is the means of how you travel from one place to another. Seniors most often rely on driving as their means of transportation which may change as they age.

Tips & Links

• A change in health or mobility might significantly impact a senior’s lifestyle and their means of transportation.
• Road Safety BC suggests seniors have a medical driving examination at 80 and at 85 years of age and every 2 years after that. The assessment includes memory, attention, judgment, eyesight and physical health. It does not include a driving test. Learn more about road safety and drivers fitness and assessments from the government of BC.
• After 80 years of age, ICBC should mail you a report (with detailed instructions on the back) to take to your physician or nurse practitioner who must complete the form and send it for review by Road Safety BC within 45 days of it being issued.
• Retiring your Driver’s License does not need to limit your activities. Consider getting a Compass Card and learn about different means of transportation like TransLink (bus and Skytrain service in Vancouver and the lower mainland), or HandyDART (a door-to-door shared ride service for people with physical or cognitive disabilities).
• Ask your care partners to help you explore and learn about the different means of transportation and services in your community. Some communities have shuttles and volunteer ride programs provided by local non-profit agencies.
• People over 65 or needing assistance and their caregivers can get discounts with your HandyCard or a Compass Card.
• You can use your Compass Card to pay for your HandyDART rides. If you are registered with HandyDART and it is not available in your community, you can use taxi services who accept TaxiSaver vouchers. 
• Check out Seniors on the Move for different community-based services for senior’s transportation.
• Learn how to get a special parking permit (SPARC). Be aware that a physician or nurse practitioner is required to complete a portion of the application and this may require a physician visit in person. It is recommended to print the application and complete as you are able and take the visit for completion.

Tools – Handouts & Videos