GoGoGrandparent rides available in Clinton County

PLATTSBURGH | An Office for the Aging pilot project to provide car rides at no cost for elders in Clinton County has thus far been very well received. It's called GoGoGrandparent and was created through resources allocated in last year's state budget. As of August 2025, New York expanded the on-demand transportation service to 32 counties in New York. In Clinton County, program coordinator Raymond Alexander outlined GoGoGrandparent's purpose and operation to date. "Transportation is a huge issue for our seniors, especially those who can't drive anymore or cannot afford to drive," he said. "There are Medicaid transportation services, but that is for medical needs only." There is a real need, especially in rural counties, for everyday transportation to church, to visit friends, to go grocery shopping. "And seniors are one of the largest and growing demographics in our area. As the population ages, the need for transportation becomes greater," Alexander said. "We are seeing that GoGoGrandparent fills an unmet need." Clinton County is receiving between three to five requests for rides each week, he said. GoGoGrandparent, called GoGo for short, provides car rides for Clinton County residents ages 60 and older. Seniors have to register through the county's Office for the Aging, and then are provided with a phone number to call for designated car service. The trip is paid for through the county office. "Eligible individuals can use GoGo for up to eight one-way trips a month. That can be four trips, to and from a location, per month," Alexander said. "To access the service, seniors register with the Office for the Aging and fill out a consent form." The customers can then arrange rides when needed. "They primarily contract with Uber and Lyft, which provide drivers for the program. It is entirely free," Alexander said. There are no restrictions on what the activity is for. It could be a social visit or an errand run. "Seniors can go visit friends, go to the library, go to church, go to the grocery store or go to the hair salon. Travel is covered for up to 35 miles one way," he said. "Family members often handle transportation needs for their seniors, so this offers another solution if there are scheduling conflicts." The cost of the program is supported through the enacted New York State budget, ensuring that services remain free of charge for older adults. GoGoGrandparent also supports important opportunities for socialization, an important way to alleviate isolation. "This might seem like a small thing, and it's not," Alexander said. "Transportation is an entirely different equation in rural areas. It is a priority concern. "I do think it's working well here," he noted. "We have received funding for this calendar year through the New York State Office for the Aging, funneled to the county." Resources for the pilot program are limited, so funding could be depleted over time. But until then, GoGoGrandparent is a way for senior residents to get to places they want to go. HOW GOGOGRANPARENT WORKS Elders who would like to use the county's GoGo service have to register first and fill out a consent form. Then they are given the contact number to call for rides. Seniors do not need a smartphone to call for rides. The county's registration form gathers name, date of birth and address information along with a home phone number, cell phone number and notes for drivers. No banking information is collected through the county service. There is a checklist for additional notes, such as the elder's use of a cane or walker, use of a service dog, and physical impairments. According to program information, "GoGo notes if you have a preference for vehicles that are easier for you to get in and out of, and whether you need a vehicle with more trunk space to accommodate any ambulatory equipment, such as canes or wheelchairs." GoGo's on-demand home rides for seniors do try to "match clients with drivers that have historically created positive trip experiences for other riders living with visual, ambulatory, cognitive and dexterity impairments." Ride availability can vary depending on location and time of day. Registration forms are available through the Clinton County Office for the Aging, 135 Margaret St., Suite 105 in Plattsburgh. The county Office for the Aging does provide information and registration forms at area senior center classes and social meetings. For more information about Clinton County's GoGoGrandparent program, call 518-565-4620. Or contact the office via email: aging@clintoncountyny.gov

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GoGoGrandparent rides available in Clinton County

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