The National Center on Senior Transportation estimates that by the year 2030, more than 70 million Americans will be over the age of 65. And with the 85-plus section expected to increase to 21 million by 2050, our elderly population is growing almost twice as fast as the overall population.
Many seniors have to either depend on family members and friends to drive them around or use unreliable public transportation services. This provides a great opportunity for anyone wanting to start a transportation business for seniors who have traded their car keys for a back seat driving pass.
What’s Your Specialty?
Define how specialized your transportation business will be. For example, decide if you will transport seniors who need assistance with wheelchairs or walkers, or if you prefer to simply taxi around able-bodied folks to doctor appointments and shopping expeditions. This will determine what type of vehicles, equipment, insurance, and licenses you will need.
Business Regulations
Verify what rules and regulations apply to a transportation business by contacting your state’s Department of Transportation. The rules of the road not only change from state-to-state but also town-to-town, so check with all of the local jurisdictions in which you plan to conduct your transportation business to see if they require any special permits or licenses.
Insurance Issues
Consult with your insurance agent to see what type of additional insurance you will need to operate. Even if you decide to drive your own personal vehicle you will still probably need commercial automobile insurance. Some insurance companies require supplementary liability insurance and drug testing for all licensed drivers.
Mode of Transportation
Invest in a reliable vehicle to safely transport your elderly customers such as a minivan or 15-passenger van. While it doesn’t have to be brand-spanking new off the dealer’s lot, it should only be three or four years old with less than 50,000 miles on the odometer. Keeping your vehicle properly maintained and inspected will insure its dependability.
Equipping Your Vehicle(s)
Furnish your vehicle with any mobility equipment necessary such as a wheelchair lift or ramp. You may also need to install safety restraints or tie downs for walkers or wheelchairs. In addition, you should have a first-aid kit in the vehicle along with a cell phone or two-way radio for emergency communications.
Designated Drivers
Hire responsible drivers with good driving records who are licensed to drive in the state you operate. Depending on your state’s regulations they may also be required to get a commercial driver’s license. The U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has a pre-employment screening program (PSP) that allows you to check the crash and safety violation history of a commercial driver for a small fee.
What to Charge
Decide what types of fees you want to charge for the type of transportation service you are offering. For example, a per-mile fee structure is the most widely used. However, it may be more practical to charge a flat fee that is billed in 15 or 30 minute increments if your service is driving people around on errands that requires you to wait for periods of time. Or you may want to set up a weekly or monthly payment system for regular customers who travel the same route each day, week or month.
In Conclusion
Finding reliable transportation is a big concern for seniors who want to live as independently and self-reliantly as possible. Anyone starting this type of business should not only be sensitive to their needs, but also mindful of time constraints so their senior passengers are never kept waiting.
Anyone working with seniors should be a “people person” and be able to exercise good judgment when issues arise. In this type of business you will be working with different types of people including senior clients, family members, caregivers, and/or professionals in the industry. Interpersonal skills, along with patience, honesty and punctuality will be essential to your success.
For more information on how to start a business that caters to the needs of senior adults including transportation, please check out my book, Start Your Own Senior Services Business: Adult Day Care, Relocation Services, Homecare, Transportation Service, Concierge, Travel Service and More (Entrepreneur Press, 2010)
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