To the Editor:
The elderly who can’t drive anymore are left out in the suburbs with poor and unreliable transportation. You and I can hop in our car and go anywhere we want. Not so for the elderly stuck out in the suburbs.

I have heard many examples of this. My mother had to go through that and it was heartbreaking. One time, she was all ready and dressed up to go to the senior center. The driver told her he couldn’t take her anymore because she needed too much help.

Instead of having a lovely day out, she had to turn around and go back home. She was an avid people person, so this was especially devastating.

Excuses from drivers (for being late or not arriving at all) are that they have to pick up numerous people at once. You and I can control being on time. Shouldn’t the elderly have the same opportunity to be on time, even if they have to depend on others?

One woman (waiting for transportation services) who had a permanent back problem had to wait outdoors for an hour on a stiff wood bench because her driver was late due to picking up other people. She could barely move after that.

The deplorable transportation services for the elderly in the suburbs is truly unacceptable, and needs to be addressed. Thank you.

Elaine Doremus

Albany