Getting Where You Need to Go: Transportation Support for Wayne County Older Adults

Getting Where You Need to Go: Transportation Support for Wayne County Older Adults

Transportation is consistently one of the top challenges faced by aging adults and their caregivers. Many can’t or choose not to drive, while caregivers aren’t always available to provide transportation in addition to their other responsibilities. Without reliable transportation, frustrations add up: a missed doctor’s appointment, rushed shopping outings, and increased isolation from friends and family.

On August 4, 2026, Wayne County voters will decide on a countywide transit millage that would fund existing and expanded public transportation services throughout the county. Regardless of the election outcome, The Senior Alliance will continue to offer free, limited transportation for older adults age 60 and over and their caregivers, primarily for urgent situations when no other options exist. 

How The Senior Alliance Helps Right Now

The Senior Alliance supports free, limited transportation services to caregivers of older adults who live in The Senior Alliance’s service area. This service is not available as a substitute for regular, pre-arranged transportation; it’s more of a safety net for urgent situations when no other options are available. 

Drivers can transport individuals who use wheelchairs, walkers, and canes. Call 734.722.2830 or download a brochure (available in English, Spanish, and Arabic) for details.

A Bigger Conversation: Transit Access on the August Ballot

Currently, some Wayne County communities provide SMART (Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation) bus services, while others do not. The millage on the ballot this August would renew and expand SMART services, according to the Wayne County website. 

If passed, the Wayne County Public Transportation Millage would provide more affordable transportation options for the roughly 350,000 Wayne County residents who have little to no options to get around if they can’t drive. Older adults and those with disabilities would be provided door-to-door rides from their homes to healthcare, work, shopping, family, and other destinations throughout the county. 

If the millage does not pass, communities with existing SMART service will lose those services (with the exception of DDOT or other local services), meaning families, aging adults, and people with disabilities in southeast Michigan will lose access to much-needed public transportation. Regardless of the election results, older adults will still be able to request help from The Senior Alliance in urgent situations, when no other options are available. 

This countywide vote could reshape transit access for years to come. We encourage all Wayne County voters to make their voices heard—either by mail or at the polls—prior to or on August 4, 2026. Visit the Michigan Voter Information Center for details on how and where to vote.

Why Transportation Access Matters for Aging in Place

Reliable transportation supports independence, access to medical care, and reduced isolation for older adults. Where public transportation options are limited or non-existent, family caregivers often fill in the gap, adding strain to an already demanding role. Access to transportation can make the difference between whether a senior can age independently in their home or not. 

How to Request a Ride Through The Senior Alliance

Call 734.722.2830 to speak with an Information & Assistance Specialist about transportation services. They can help you determine if you qualify for services and help you schedule an appointment. Have your appointment date, time, and destination details ready when you call. You can also download our transportation brochure (available in English, Spanish, Arabic) for details on how to qualify. 

Support Exists, and More May Be Coming

Transportation remains one of the most practical challenges facing older adults and their caregivers in Wayne County. Voters will decide this August whether to maintain and expand regional public transportation options. In the meantime, The Senior Alliance is here today—and tomorrow—with direct transportation support for urgent needs.

Getting older adults where they need to go takes more than one solution. Staying informed and knowing where to turn for help is what matters most.

FAQs

Q: Who qualifies for The Senior Alliance’s transportation service?

In general, our transportation services are available as a ‘ride of last resort’ when a caregiver is not available to provide transportation for non-emergency medical or social services appointments. We provide services for adults age 60 and over living in southern and western Wayne County. Please contact us at 734-722-2830 to find out if you qualify.

Q: What is the Wayne County Public Transportation Millage?

The Wayne County transit millage is an August 4, 2026, ballot measure that would renew and expand public transportation services and bus routes for all Wayne County communities. It would also expand DDOT bus service, connecting Detroit residents to jobs and schools in the suburbs. 

For a homeowner who has a home worth $200,000, the average cost of this millage is $8 per month. Residents living in a suburban community that already has SMART bus service will not see an increase in their tax rate. 

If renewing and expanding transit across Wayne County transit millage does not pass, communities with existing SMART service will lose those services (with the exception of DDOT or other local services).

Q: Does The Senior Alliance provide regular rides to appointments?

No. This is a limited, urgent-need service, not a scheduled or recurring ride program. Visit our Resource Directory to learn about other transportation options in our area.