ABSTRACT
Caroline stepped out of the van that had taken her and several of her elderly neighbors to the grocery store. This service is part of a special city program that provides transportation services for older low-income residents who need to go to the doctor, shop for food and other necessities, and have no other or only limited means of getting around. The program has been functioning for 2 years with funds provided by a non-governmental organization. The program purchased two new vans and reimburses the city for the use of their handicapped-accessible vehicles. One has to schedule appointments a week in advance and it is not always possible to go to where one wishes. The service is a clear improvement, though, over what was available before. When she needed to go somewhere Caroline had to take taxis. For older people in Caroline’s neighborhood, transportation is a major problem that clearly affects the quality of their lives.
