Transportation in Rural Arizona
Access to reliable public transportation can improve health and well-being, with access to healthier food, important services, employment, and recreational opportunities. However, in rural communities, there is a gap in transportation services, especially for populations such as older adults and individuals with disabilities. More information on public transportation as a driver of health and equity in the United States can be accessed here.
The Rural Transit Assistance Program offered through the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) provides transit services to non-urbanized areas throughout the state. This includes the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities program which involves the utilization of special transportation for eligible recipients to medical appointments, nutrition appointments, adult day care facilities, education and training, service appointments (such as banking, social services, etc), shopping trips, and employment. More information about these programs from ADOT can be found here.
Additionally, the 2-1-1 Transportation Hotline offers free transportation option to those eligible. The current funding provides rides for heat relief and for caregivers. During the hot summer months in Arizona, transportation is provided to cooling centers, respite centers and hydration station sites. More information about the hotline can be accessed here.
FindHelp.org is another resource which allows eligible recipients to select their service area and sort by type of transportation, cost, and service availability to connect with transportation resources. Examples of services offered include transportation from the Arizona Disabled Veteran Foundation, Adoption and Family Services for Birth Mothers, and Veteran Air Transportation. More information from their website can be found here.
Additional Resources for transportation include the following:
- The Rural Health Information Hub offers resources focusing on rural transportation support. More information can be found here.
- The Arizona Department of Economic Security offers community transportation resources. More information can be found on their website here.
The Arizona Health Cost Containment System offers non-emergency transportation to those who qualify. Additional information can be accessed here.