There are several ways for seniors to get around in the County. Of course, one is to have and drive a car.  Another is to walk. In between those two options are such things as: asking family or friends for a ride; using Community Care’s escorted transportation program; Prince Edward County Accessible Transit which is operated by Quinte Access; or taking a taxi.

We will deal with each in turn. The Toronto Star reported in February that the average cost of car ownership in 2024 — which includes gas, parking, insurance and car maintenance — now totals $1387 each month, or $16,644 annually. The statistics come from Ratehub.ca, an online Canadian financial comparison platform. 

If you don’t have a car, you might have to pay for some transportation. But you will have the $1387 a month you save on a car to spend.

Many seniors ask family and friends to drive them for groceries and medical appointments. That’s a good option and often others are willing to make the trip. If they’re not available then you might consider taking Prince Edward County Specialized Transit. The service, contracted with Quinte Access, provides door to door transit services to locations within Prince Edward County and beyond. The program requires all eligible riders to register through an application process and trips must be scheduled one day in advance. Visit the County’s Specialized Transit webpage for more information.

Community Care operates a transportation service that helps seniors go to medical appointments and do essential shopping. We call this service “kitchen table to kitchen table.” It is an escorted program with one-to-one service. All volunteer drivers have been carefully screened. These people want to provide this service to seniors. The driver stays with the senior at all times, except for dialysis trips. Rides to destinations such as a local doctor’s office, Prince Edward Memorial Hospital or to points in Belleville, Kingston, Trenton, and Toronto for medical appointments can be arranged. 

The service is for seniors 60+ and the first step is to call and arrange to talk to one of our Coordinators.  Once you have been accepted as a client of Community Care you just call the office 2-3 days in advance to schedule a ride. 

There are also commercial operators of taxi companies in Prince Edward County.