Durham older adults can use a mix of fixed-route transit, GoDurham ACCESS, Durham County ACCESS, the Senior Shuttle at participating communities, family rides, and companion support. Eligibility and service areas differ, so choose by the rider's functional needs, residence, destination, and desired help before and after the ride.
Quick answer
GoDurham ACCESS provides ADA paratransit for eligible people whose disabilities prevent use of accessible fixed-route transit. It operates within three-quarters of a mile of a GoDurham route, offers curb-to-curb service with door-to-door help available on request, and requires approval before reservations. [1] Durham County ACCESS is a separate demand-response program with its own eligibility and trip rules. [2] The Senior Shuttle is a free weekly grocery service for residents of listed senior communities. [3]
Durham options compared
Option | Who it fits | Key limit |
|---|---|---|
GoDurham fixed route | Riders able to reach, board, and navigate routes | Set stops and schedules |
GoDurham ACCESS | Approved riders whose disability affects fixed-route use | Application, assessment, service corridor, reservations |
Durham County ACCESS | Eligible county residents under current program rules | Separate eligibility, destinations, fares, and reservation rules |
Senior Shuttle | Residents of participating senior communities | Weekly grocery destinations and listed sites |
GoDurham Connect | Trips within current microtransit zones | Origin and destination must fit a current zone |
Companion caregiver | Individual ride or accompaniment plus errands | Caregiver availability and driving requirements |
Applying for GoDurham ACCESS
GoDurham says eligibility depends on how a disability affects fixed-route use. Applications require applicant and healthcare-provider information, followed by an in-person functional assessment; the complete review may take up to 21 days. Approved riders can reserve by phone, app, or web portal, and rides must be requested at least one day ahead under the current program description. [1]
The current page says GoDurham ACCESS rides are fare-free through June 30, 2027. That date and other operating details can change, so confirm them before relying on the service.
How Durham County ACCESS differs
Durham County ACCESS serves eligible county residents through demand-response transportation. Its public guidance describes general public, senior, disabled, employment, and human-service pathways with different qualifications, fares, and trip purposes. [2] A rider who is not eligible for city ADA paratransit may still have a county option, but should not assume approval.
When calling, give the home address, destination, trip purpose, mobility device, preferred date, and return needs. Ask which program applies and what documentation is required.
Understanding the Senior Shuttle
The Senior Shuttle runs weekly from specified Durham senior living communities to designated grocery stores. GoDurham ACCESS lists participating sites, weekday schedules, pickup points, accessibility information, and a bag limit. No advance reservation is required under the current program, although a community may use a sign-up sheet to manage capacity. [3] It is not a citywide on-demand senior ride.
Add the human help the ride does not provide
A companion may help an older adult make a list, get ready, accompany the ride, carry ordinary groceries, wait during an appointment, and put items away at home. If the caregiver drives, confirm the agreed service, license and screening process, vehicle, insurance, mobility fit, mileage, parking, and accident procedure.
Plan pickup windows, return time, bags, mobility devices, attendants, expenses, and a backup. For medical appointments, decide what the older adult permits the companion to hear or share. A non-medical companion should not interpret medical advice or make clinical decisions.
LoLo Care supports flexible non-medical rides, errands, and accompaniment in Durham when a suitable independent caregiver is available. [4] Read Home Care in Durham for the broader support plan.
Frequently asked questions
Is GoDurham ACCESS for every senior?
No. ADA eligibility is based on disability-related inability to use fixed-route transit, not age alone. County programs and the Senior Shuttle use different rules.
Can the Senior Shuttle take me to any grocery store?
No. It serves listed communities and destinations on the published schedule.
Can someone else book an ACCESS ride?
GoDurham says another person can book for an approved rider using the required rider and trip information.
Are GoDurham ACCESS and Durham County ACCESS the same program?
No. They have different administrators, eligibility pathways, service areas, trip rules, and contact details. Confirm which program applies to the rider.
Does a companion replace a personal care attendant?
Not automatically. Confirm the rider's mobility and personal-care needs and the qualifications required for any hands-on task.