AARP and Toyota are joining with Dallas area organizations for a new transportation initiative. The AARP Ride@50+ Program allows residents to book rides on multiple modes of transportation and pay for them all in one place. This includes essential rides including COVID-19 vaccination appointments.

“Every day people miss crucial medical appointments because of a lack of access or awareness in using local transportation options,” said Kyle Rakow, vice president and national director of AARP Driver Safety. “By arming older adults with knowledge and an accessible platform, we hope to make it easier for those in Dallas to get around, especially if it helps them stay safe and healthy.”

Those who wish to receive a COVID-19 vaccinations through Parkland Hospital and Dallas County are eligible for free rides to their appointment. The rides are made possible because of a grant from Toyota.

The AARP Ride@50+ was created as a single point of access to “review, compare, book and pay for local transportation alternatives through a mobile application, online booking platform, or by phone”. Essential trips that can be booked via the program include trips to the grocery store, pharmacy, or other medical appointments.

According to program materials, the cost of each ride depends on the length and transportation option chosen. The cost is made clear ahead of booking. Payment is made using any major credit card. Prior to booking a ride, passengers and transportation providers must agree to follow all applicable future and current COVID-19 safety recommendations, including CDC and state guidelines.

The program is available to people of all ages but focuses its efforts on ndividuals 50 and older and other vulnerable individuals. AARP membership is not required.

The program is currently serving residents in Richland and Lexington County, South Carolina; Dallas County, Texas; and Washtenaw County, Michigan.

“The AARP Ride@50+ Program offers a simple, affordable, and efficient solution to finding local transportation for people of all ages,” said Sean Suggs, group vice president, Toyota Social Innovation. “This program makes it easier to access critical services and help people get to where they want to go, and that is what mobility for all is about.”

For more information, visit www.aarp.org/ridedallas or call 1-800-466-1461