Getting around Toronto can be challenging for seniors. In addition to providing home health care services, Retire-At-Home Services (soon to affiliate with Affinity Health) offers this updated guide to help you and your loved ones navigate transportation options — but keep in mind: for many, at-home care remains the safest, most convenient option.
Why Consider In-Home Care Over Transportation?
- Minimized risk: Reduces the need to coordinate travel, exposure to weather, or wait for rides.
- Greater flexibility: Caregivers can bring services (meals, medical equipment, therapy) directly to home.
- Consistency: Instead of juggling multiple transport providers, you maintain continuity with the same care team.
- Dignity & comfort: Seniors often feel safer and more confident receiving care in a familiar environment.
That said, there are times when transportation is necessary. The following services may support seniors who must leave home for appointments, errands, or social needs.
Key Transportation Options in Toronto
Wheel-Trans (TTC)
Tel: 416-393-4111 | TTC Wheel-Trans
What it is: A city-run, door-to-door accessible transit program for people whose disabilities (physical, sensory, cognitive, or mental health) prevent them from using conventional TTC transit. TTC+2City of Toronto+2
Eligibility & Registration:
- Assessed by functional ability, not by diagnosis or age. TTC+2TTC+2
- New application process includes three eligibility levels: unconditional, conditional, and temporary. TTC+2City of Toronto+2
- Existing users who registered before 2017 must re-register under updated criteria. TTC
- For conditional-eligible users, the Family of Services system may combine Wheel-Trans with conventional TTC transit. TTC+2City of Toronto+2
Cost: Same fare as regular TTC — tickets, tokens, passes, or exact cash accepted. University Health Network+2TTC+2
Support Person Policy: One support person can travel free of fare with the registered user, if properly documented via a Support Person Assistance Card. TTC
Where it goes: Within Toronto, and up to 1 km beyond into adjacent regions, depending on trip. TTC+1
Toronto Ride
Tel: 416-481-5250 | Email: admin@torontoride.ca
This is a network of nonprofit agencies offering door-to-door, assisted transportation to adults 55+ or people with disabilities not eligible for Wheel-Trans.
Eligibility & Use:
- Must live within certain boundaries (typically postal codes starting with “M”)
- Ability to enter/exit vehicles with limited assistance
- Folding walkers or wheelchairs required if applicable
- One escort allowed free; extra escorts may pay the same fare as the client
Hours & Cost: Generally Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Fares are calculated per kilometre.
Destinations: Medical and therapy appointments, adult day programs, errands, social visits, etc.
iRIDE (or iRIDE Plus)
Tel: 1-844-474-3301 | iRIDE Plus | Circle of Care iRIDE
A subsidized, door-to-door ride service for older adults and those with mobility issues to access medical, social, and everyday destinations. Circle of Care+2iRIDE Plus+2
Eligibility & Service:
- Those unable to use other transit due to mobility or cognitive limitations
- Requires ability to get in/out with limited assistance
- Foldable mobility devices preferred
- Escorts allowed for clients with cognitive or physical assistance needs
Scheduling & Cost:
- Typically Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with weekend service by request
- Cost based on distance (rate per km)
- Operated via partner agencies like Lumacare Lumacare
Where it goes: Medical, social, recreational trips, group outings, shopping, etc.
Other Specialized & Community Services
- Canadian Cancer Society Driving Program (416-488-5400): Free transportation (after a one-time fee) for cancer patients to major hospitals; ~85% of requests fulfilled.
- Downtown Care-Ring (416-868-1190): Free rides for seniors and physically challenged in downtown Toronto, prioritizing medical trips.
- Native Canadian Centre of Toronto: Medical transportation for Indigenous seniors 59+.
- Transcare Community Support (Scarborough) (416-750-9885): Low-cost, escort-assisted rides to medical and other essential destinations.
- Seniors Ride Connect (416-743-3892): Serves Etobicoke, Brampton, Milton, Woodbridge; rides for 55+ or people with disabilities for appointments and social needs.
Additionally, many agencies offer grocery delivery or group shopping rides, which may reduce the need for personal travel.
Comparing Options + When At-Home Care Wins
Option | Strengths | Limitations | At-Home Care Advantage |
Wheel-Trans | Reliable door-to-door service, integrated with TTC | Requires eligibility, re-registration, fixed fare | Eliminates travel altogether; consistent care |
Toronto Ride / iRIDE | More flexible geographic coverage, tailored support | Fewer hours, per-km cost, scheduling constraints | Removes scheduling burden, reduces waiting |
Community programs | Free or subsidized, good coverage for medical trips | Typically limited hours and priority to medical use | Enables in-home services without needing transport |
At-Home Care | Maximum comfort, flexibility, low disruption | Doesn’t cover errands away from home | Ideal primary solution, especially for mobility or cognitive limitations |
Whenever possible, prioritizing in-home care reduces stress, transfers, weather risk, and coordination issues. Use transportation services selectively for urgent appointments or social needs that can’t be met at home.
How to Apply & Tips
- Wheel-Trans application & re-registration: Visit the TTC site, call 416-393-4111, or email WTeligibility@ttc.ca TTC+2TTC+2
- Booking trips: Use the Wheel-Trans Reservations Line, or self-book via their portal 24/7 for Family of Services customers TTC
- Use the Support Person Assistance Card to allow a caregiver to ride free with you on TTC/Wheel-Trans TTC
- For iRIDE / Toronto Ride: Contact directly via phone or email; register early, as demand may exceed supply
- Plan ahead: Many services require several days’ notice
- Leverage grocery delivery and telehealth so fewer outings are necessary
If your loved one is struggling with mobility or transportation challenges, start with at-home care as the foundation. Affinity Health (and Retire-At-Home Services) can deliver supportive care in-place — reducing reliance on external transport. When travel is unavoidable, the services above offer safe options.
To schedule a free consultation with Affinity Health’s home care team or to learn how we can support transportation needs, contact us today at [Affinity Health contact link]. Let us bring care to you — safely, comfortably, at home.