ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando leaders have delayed a move to extend a transportation program designed to help seniors living downtown.
What You Need To Know
Orlando leaders delayed action on extending a senior transportation program serving downtown residents, citing an administrative issue
The pilot shuttle provides free rides to grocery and retail destinations for seniors at 11 housing complexes
Residents say the service is critical as mobility becomes more challenging with age
City officials say the agreement could be revisited at the next council meeting in about two weeks
The agreement was expected to be discussed Monday at City Hall, but city leaders postponed negotiations because of an administrative issue.
The pilot program launched last fall and has shown steady use, providing free, ADA-accessible rides to grocery and retail destinations for seniors living in 11 downtown housing complexes.
City officials say the service helps seniors remain independent while also addressing mobility challenges in the downtown core.
Yvette Rhoden, 70, knows firsthand how important transportation can be after retirement.
She lives at Magnolia Towers, a 62-and-older community downtown, where a shuttle stops once a week to take residents where they need to go.
“It can get me around when I need to, when I’m not able to drive. It gets me around, which is a lot,” Rhoden said. “I’m driving less and less.”
Rhoden says reliable transportation becomes more important with age.
“You know, one day you’re walking fine, the next day your back hurts. Your feet hurt. And it does creep up on you real quick,” she said.
She says none of her regular errands are within walking distance and believes that many seniors face the same challenge.
“Seniors really need a little more extra help,” Rhoden added.
The city of Orlando, the Community Redevelopment Agency and Mears Transportation Group created the pilot program in 2025.
At Magnolia Towers alone, the service supports about 175 senior residents.
“When we heard that the City of Orlando was providing that for seniors, it was really awesome to hear the news because a lot of our residents depend on it,” said Adriana Cevallos, administrator at Magnolia Towers.
The shuttle currently stops at Magnolia Towers one day a week, but Rhoden hopes the service will expand.
“I’m hoping they maybe add another day or two,” she said. “Because it would really, really help.”
The agreement between the Community Redevelopment Agency, Orlando and Mears is now expected to be discussed and possibly finalized at the next city council meeting in about two weeks.
After that, it would still need approval from the city attorney’s office.