Senior Centers & County Transportation
Berrien County
Berrien County Senior Centers
Adults sixty years and older can receive services from seven independently operated senior service centers and meal sites located throughout Berrien County. Each of the seven centers is supported financially by a countywide senior millage that provides approximately two million dollars annually in funding. This funding helps support activities, transportation and facilities at each of the seven centers across the county.
Each independently operated senior center provides transportation services to older adults who reside within their service area. However, the frequency, accessibility and service area varies from one senior center to the next.
Seniors with transportation questions should speak to a senior center staff members to discover how they can best be served.
Cass County
Cass County Council on Aging (COA)
The Cass County Council on Aging is a non-profit organization that provides a broad range of services to Cass County seniors. From activities to meals to transportation, they have you covered and are here to help.
Interested in what the COA offers? Contact them directly at (269) 445-5595 to learn more.
Van Buren County
Senior Services of Van Buren County
Senior Services of Van Buren County provides services, opportunities and caring support for seniors to enhance their quality of life.
Not sure where to begin? Call 866-627-8904 or click the link below to get started!
Regional Resources
Regional Senior Resources
Senior Companionship Program
Senior Companions are specially trained volunteers age 55 and older who provides support, companionship, help with daily tasks, and respite for caregivers. Senior companions provide transportation for doctor appointments, errands, or social activities.
For more information please call 269-983-7058 or toll-free at 877-660-2725.
PACE: Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly
PACE is a program of coordinated care that offers older adults an alternative to nursing home placement, providing the support at home: medical treatment, transportation, and social interaction needed to remain independent. Care team: physicians, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, physical and occupational therapists and nutritionist arrange the proper medical and private services needed to remain in your home and community.
For more information please call 269-408-4322.
Medical Appointment Transportation
Senior Services Ride Easy Program offers rides to medical appointments for residents of Van Buren County, 60 years of age or older, as available. Advanced registration is required.
Contact them directly at (269) 222-1705 to schedule.
Van Buren County Locations
There are ten locations throughout Van Buren County that offer services to seniors, ranging from meals to activities and beyond. Click the link below for more information, locations, and contact information for each center.
National Resources
National Senior Resources
The National Council on Again
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) delivers the resources, tools, best practices, and advocacy our nation needs to ensure that every person can age with health and economic well-being. Their strategy is simple: Empower older adults, strengthen communities, and advocate for lasting change.
For more information please visit NCOA’s website.
Transportation Guides
Flexibility Fitness Training for Improving Older Driver Performance
Download this brochure for useful information to learn simple exercises that can help improve flexibility as it relates to driving. Get valuable information about parking, backing up, adjusting mirrors, preventing fatigue and looking over your shoulder.
How to Help an Older Driver
Discusses how families and friends of older drivers can help them maintain their independence and mobility without sacrificing safety.
Talking with Older Drivers
AARP offers a free online seminar called We Need to Talk that will help you determine how to assess your loved ones’ driving skills and provide tools to help you have this important conversation.
Before You Give up the Keys
Create a Road map for Transportation Independence before you give up the keys and no longer drive your car. View the pdf article here.
Drivers 65 Plus: Test Your Own Performance
This short questionnaire tests important driving-related skills. Intended for drivers over 65, this booklet suggests measures to cope with any revealed deficiencies.
Michigan’s Guide for Aging Drivers and Their Families
Older Michigan residents want to maintain their independence, and for many that means continuing to drive. By using smart self-management techniques to review their driving skills, older drivers can keep driving longer while limiting risks to themselves and others.
Michigan’s Guide for Aging Drivers and Their Families was developed to improve older-driver safety by providing aging drivers as well as their families and caregivers with information about the licensing process, resources that help maintain safe driving, suggest alternative transportation options and more. It helps aging drivers maintain their driver’s license for as long as it is safe for them and other road users.
The guide was developed through a collaborative partnership with the Michigan Department of Transportation, Office of Highway Safety Planning, AAA Michigan, and the Secretary of State’s Office. To review the publication: View the Guide lock.
Free & Reduced Transportation
Berrien County
Martin’s Super Market Shuttle
Martin’s Super Market contracts with Twin Cities Area Transportation Authority to provide FREE transportation from several senior housing complexes to Martin’s twice a month on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Seniors are given an hour to shop before their return trip home. The shuttle bus will arrive at the first stop at 9:00 am. Seniors are strongly encouraged to be waiting at the front entrance of their housing complex or center.
Bus Stops:
1. Harbor Point #1
2. Circle Dr. Bldg S
3. Circle Dr. Bldg W
4. Harbor Towers
5. Benton Harbor Senior Center
6. 300 River Terrace
7. Lake View Terrace
8. Lakecrest Ravine
9. Vineyards
For more information call TCATA at (269) 927-2268.
*If you do no live in buildings S or W, please call dispatch at (269) 927-4461.
Harding’s Friendly Market Shuttle
Harding’s Friendly Markets in Buchanan contracts with Buchanan Dial a Ride to provide Buchanan seniors free rides from their homes to Harding’s Market. The service is provided every Wednesday where seniors are given an hour to shop (9:00 am-10:00 am) before their return trip home. Seniors must call on Tuesdays before 3:00 pm to schedule their free ride to Harding’ Market.
For more information call Buchanan Bus at (269) 697-0600.
Cass County
COA Monthly Shopping
Once a month, the COA uses Cass County Public Transit to go shopping at the Niles Walmart and also to the bank. The best part is it only costs $5, but you must pre-register three days in advance.
Making Reservations
Seniors must be registered with the Cass County COA before reserving their seat for the monthly shopping trip.
Please call the Cass County COA at (269) 445-8110 for a one-time registration.
Already registered with the COA?
Please reserve your spot by calling Cass County Public Transit at (269) 445-2455 at least 72 hours in advance (Mondays) to reserve a spot for the shopping trip.
For more information call Cass County Council on Aging at (269) 445-8110.
Van Buren County
Public Transit
Any Van Buren County resident that is a Veteran or a Senior (60+) can ride free of charge on all Van Buren Public Transit buses, with the exception of contract and special service routes. Van Buren Public Transit is a proud partner of the MDOT Universal Reduced Fare Card program. This means easier travel across Michigan! You can ride with any of the 30 participating transit systems at their discounted rate without filling out extra paperwork. Just show your Transit Rider card to the driver and you’re good to go.
To obtain a Transit Rider Card:
1. Complete the application.
2. Provide a copy of proof of Veteran status, age, and/or disability.
3. Mail, email, or fax the above documents to Van Buren Public Transit.
Van Buren Public Transit
610 David Walton Dr. Bangor, MI 49013
Phone: (269) 427-7921
Fax: (269) 427-5062
Email: Rides@vanburencountymi.gov
Ride Easy Program
Senior Services Ride Easy Program offers rides to medical appointments for residents of Van Buren County, 60 years of age or older, as available. Advanced registration is required because the service is tailored to meet your individual needs. If it becomes difficult for you to drive, our volunteer drivers can help you get to medical appointments. Our rides are offered through volunteers and handicap accessible rides with VB Transit and VBEMS.
For more information call (269) 222-1705.
