• by Tanya Gazdik , May 12, 2021

AARP is teaming with Toyota and local Dallas organizations to offer rides to COVID-19 vaccine appointments.

Via the AARP Ride@50+ Program -- an initiative where multiple modes of transit can be found, booked and paid for in one place -- residents can now book essential rides online or by calling a toll-free number. 

Currently, free rides to COVID-19 vaccines appointments are available for select constituents booked through Parkland Hospital and Dallas County. The free rides were made possible through a grant from Toyota.

The AARP Ride@50+ Program -- built on the Mobility as a Service (MaaS) framework and powered by Feonix – Mobility Rising –- provides 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. 

The program is open to people of all ages, but focuses on individuals 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.

There are no current plans to expand to other geographic areas, an AARP spokesperson tells Marketing Daily. 

“We currently remain focused on these communities as we evaluate future opportunities,” per the spokesperson. 

Toyota, a long-time supporter of AARP Driver Safety, assisted with the new transportation program by sharing industry knowledge and providing funds to support the development of the AARP Ride@50+ Program.

“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 in a release. “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.”