Neighbors Network of Lee County offers transportation options
Life in Fort Myers and Cape Coral is getting a little bit easier for residents who are older or have a disability, thanks to the Neighbors Network of Lee County, along with other local agencies.
On Thursday, the Neighbors Network held a seminar titled “Let Us Count the Transportation Options in Lee County,” in which various non-profit and volunteer organizations presented a multitude of options for assistance to the ever-growing senior population in the area. These entities are utilizing all available resources to ensure nobody falls between the cracks – making life in the Sunshine State a little brighter for those who are older, disabled, and transportation disadvantaged.
As of the 2023 census, approximately 29% of the population in Lee County was over the age of 65, and the need for reliable transportation for doctors appointments, to get groceries, to surgery centers, or even to attend a salon appointment has never been greater. Additionally, more than 20% of seniors over the age of 65 cannot drive – posing significant hardships for many in the local community.
Some of the various businesses and organizations in attendance and discussed aside from the Neighbors Network were LeeTran, the Dr. Piper Center, F.I.S.H., and Go Go Grandparent.
The Neighbors Network of Lee County
Barbara Shearer, president of the Neighbors Network, lovingly refers to seniors as “silvers.”
“Sometimes, people just want a friend to go with them to the doctors,” Shearer stated. “We’re not here to replicate anything anyone else is doing. We’re here to connect the dots and fill the gaps and help people know each other.”
What: The Neighbors Network is part of a larger scale movement known as the Village to Village Network. Essentially, this is a grassroots volunteer-based group of neighbors helping neighbors. Everything from transportation assistance to classes on topics such as technology, tai-chi classes, community, and many other offerings in between are available through the Neighbors Network.
Where: https://leeneighbors.helpfulvillage.com/ Phone (239) 209-9867 e-mail: info@leeneighbors.org
When: Various in-person meetings and seminars are scheduled throughout the year; if the need for assistance arises, contact the Neighbors Network on an as needed basis.
LeeTran
What: LeeTran is one of the most abundant methods of public transportation in the Lee County area, offering more than 1,500 bus stops throughout Lee County, with transfer centers available to make transit from point A to point B more accessible. Everywhere you go in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, and the surrounding areas, you’re sure to see LeeTran buses, trolly’s and bus stops. For many, this is the only affordable mode of transportation. Standard fares are $1.50 per trip, with discounted rates of 50% off to seniors and the disabled, making regular bus fares just 75 cents per ride.
Also available are their Passport services, offering those with mobility restrictions and those who have a disability door-to-door pickup and drop-off service. Lastly, LeeTran now offers Ultra On Demand Transit Services, which are currently available as door-to-door services to Lehigh and Bonita, with services to Cape Coral and San Carlos Park in discussion. Each ride costs $3. For services pertaining to disability and mobility, financial restrictions, age, and other eligibility requirements must be met. Contact LeeTran or visit the website to apply.
Where: https://www.leegov.com/leetran or contact 239-LEE-TRAN (or) 239-533-8726
When: Rides must be requested one day in advance; when utilizing the app, rides can be reserved 14 days in advance.
Perkins, LeeTran spokesperson, states “LeeTran is committed to making transportation accessible for everyone in our community, especially seniors and vulnerable populations. Through our Passport ADA services, Transportation Disadvantaged program, and travel training opportunities, we’re helping residents maintain independence, stay connected to essential services, and move around Lee County safely and with confidence.”
Dr. Piper Center
What: The Dr. Piper Center for Social Services provides services to the Dunbar community and beyond. Serving children and seniors, the Center provides medical and dental appointment transportation, as well as salon appointment transport, personal care appointments, and grocery and shopping rides. Other programs offered include their Senior Companion Program, the Faith in Action Senior Transportation Program, the Foster Grandparent Program, and Senior Employment and Retired Senior Volunteer Programs.
A unique aspect of Dr. Piper Center’s volunteer pool is that all volunteers are 55-plus. Their motto is: Seniors Helping Seniors.
Kim Oulette, Faith in Action senior transportation coordinator at the Center, spoke about seasonal volunteers looking forward to coming into town and offering to help their neighbors in need.
“Giving the gift of friendship is so important,” states Oulette. “It’s much more than a ride. It’s about connecting with someone who’s alone.”
Where: www.drpipercenter.org or (239) 332-5346
When: Appointments may be made from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m, and one-way travel is 10 miles or less. Oulette states all requests are completed in under 3 hours from the time they are received.
F.I.S.H. of SANCAP
What: F.I.S.H. stands for food programs, island-based education, social & senior services, and helping hands & financial assistance. Based in Sanibel, this non-profit social services organization has grown by leaps and bounds in its 40-plus years since inception.
Executive Director of F.I.S.H. Maria Espinoza says, “F.I.S.H. is just a network of people trying to do good things.” With more than 100 volunteers, the organization provides everything from food pantry services, to scholarships, to medical equipment loans, and transportation.
“It’s a lot of work,” Espinoza said. “It builds a lot of really nice connections.”
Where: www.fishofsancap.org or call (239) 472-4775
When: As the need may arise.
Go Go Grandparent
What: Go Go Grandparent is a forward-thinking concept, offering concierge rideshare bookings for seniors through companies like Lyft and Uber. Seniors oftentimes struggle with technology, and Go Go Grandparent saw the need for a bridge between the gaps.
Where: The process is simple: a call is placed to the Go Go Grandparent phone number at 1-855-464-6872, then, the caller informs them of when and where they need a ride, and they take it from there – handling all the details in booking and arranging the ride. All details are then shared with the rider. The fee is roughly $20 per month for the service, and all applicable Lyft and Uber ride fees for rides also apply.
When: Someone is available around the clock, 24/7, to schedule rides and give price quotes.
Cape Coral Mini Bus Service
What: Cape Coral Mini Bus Service is a transportation option available for seniors and those who have a disability, serving Cape Coral residents, and provides rides for the transportation disadvantaged to various Cape Coral locations. An application for eligibility exists on the city of Cape Coral website, and if needed, the $15 yearly fee + ride fee may be assisted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
When: Appointments must be scheduled 72 hours in advance, and rides are based on a first-come, first-served basis.
Where: Interested individuals can contact (239) 574-0573, or visit https://www.capecoral.gov/departments/parks_recreation/park_services/cape_coral_mini_bus.php
With so many incredible opportunities available in Lee County for assistance with transportation, no older resident has to be without a means to an end.
Shearer shared a final thought at Thursday’s seminar. “Just think of us as community builders. We are building this community one person as a time.”
For more information on any of the programs mentioned, to refer someone you know for assistance, or to offer to volunteer your time, contact the respective organization(s) directly.