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Senior transportation and rides on the Nature Coast
When driving stops being safe, getting to the doctor, the store, or a friend's house shouldn't stop too. Here are the ride options across the three counties, who qualifies, what they cost, and how to book one.
Last reviewed: August 8, 2026
The short version:
- Your main choices: county buses, door-to-door van rides (called paratransit), the state Transportation Disadvantaged program, and Medicaid rides to medical visits.
- Every county offers reduced or free senior fares. Door-to-door rides need you to register and qualify first.
- If you have Medicaid and no other way to get to a covered medical appointment, Medicaid pays for the ride.
- Not sure where to start? One call to the Elder Helpline points you to the right ride: Citrus & Hernando 1-800-262-2243, Pasco 1-800-963-5337.
Common questions
- Is there free or reduced-fare transportation for seniors on the Nature Coast?
- Yes. Citrus seniors 60+ ride the Orange Line free, Hernando offers a 65+ reduced-fare photo ID at $0.60 a trip, and Pasco offers reduced rides through its senior and Transportation Disadvantaged programs. Call your county transit office to sign up.
- How do I get a ride to a doctor's appointment?
- If you're on Medicaid and have no other way there, Medicaid covers the ride, arranged through your plan (call the number on your card). Otherwise, county door-to-door paratransit can take you, once you're registered.
- What is the Transportation Disadvantaged program?
- A Florida program for people who can't get their own transportation because of age, disability, or income. Each county has a coordinator who checks eligibility and books rides. Ask your county transit office or the Elder Helpline.
- How far ahead do I need to book a door-to-door ride?
- Reserve ahead, and expect to register first. In Pasco, for example, you can book up to two weeks out and the application can take up to 21 days, so start early.
What kinds of rides can seniors get?
- Fixed-route buses. Regular buses on a set route and schedule. The fare is the lowest, but you need to get to and from a stop.
- Paratransit (door-to-door). For people who can't use the regular bus because of a disability or other barrier. You book ahead and a lift-equipped van picks you up at your door.
- The Transportation Disadvantaged program. A statewide program for people who can't get their own transportation because of age, disability, or income. Each county has a coordinator who checks who qualifies and books the rides.
- Medicaid medical rides. If you're on Medicaid and have no other way to get to a covered medical visit, Medicaid pays for the ride. It's arranged through your Medicaid plan.
- Veterans and volunteer rides. Veterans have ride options through county Veterans Services, and some seniors use volunteer-driver programs or ride-share. The Elder Helpline can tell you what's running now.
Who qualifies, and what does it cost?
Fares are low, and lower still for seniors. Door-to-door rides cost a bit more and require you to sign up first.
| County | Senior fare | Door-to-door (paratransit) |
|---|---|---|
| Citrus (Citrus County Transit) | Seniors 60+ ride the Orange Line free | About $3 one-way with an approved application |
| Hernando (TheBus) | 65+ reduced-fare photo ID: $0.60 one-way | About $2.50 one-way |
| Pasco (GoPasco) | Reduced rides through senior & TD programs | Ranges $0 to $3 one-way (cash only) |
To qualify for door-to-door or Transportation Disadvantaged rides, you generally have to be a county resident who can't drive or reach other transportation because of age, disability, or income, and you register in advance. Proof of income may be required.
Rides in Citrus, Hernando & Pasco
| County | Service | Call |
|---|---|---|
| Citrus | Citrus County Transit -- Orange Line bus + door-to-door | (352) 527-7630 |
| Hernando | Hernando County TheBus -- fixed routes + ADA paratransit | (352) 754-4444 |
| Pasco | GoPasco -- 13 routes + Demand Response | (727) 834-3322 |
How do you book a ride?
- Fixed-route bus: just show up at a stop with the fare (bring exact change, drivers don't make change).
- Door-to-door van: apply and get approved first, then reserve ahead. Pasco lets you book up to two weeks out and its application can take up to 21 days, so plan early.
- Medicaid medical ride: call the transportation number on your Medicaid plan card to set up a covered trip.
- Not sure which fits? Call the Elder Helpline and they'll steer you: Citrus & Hernando 1-800-262-2243, Pasco 1-800-963-5337.
Fares and schedules change. Call to confirm the current fare and to ask about reduced-fare IDs before your first trip.
Sources
- Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged. https://www.fdot.gov/ctd/ctd-home
- Citrus County Transit -- services & fares. https://www.citruscounty.gov/departments/community_services/transit_services/index.php
- Hernando County TheBus -- transit programs (reduced-fare ID, paratransit). https://www.hernandocounty.us/living-here/transit-thebus/transit-programs/
- GoPasco -- Demand Response (paratransit). https://www.pascocountyfl.gov/services/gopasco/paratransit/index.php
- Florida AHCA -- non-emergency medical transportation (Medicaid). https://ahca.myflorida.com/medicaid/medicaid-policy-quality-and-operations/medicaid-policy-and-quality/medicaid-policy/medical-and-behavioral-health-coverage-policy/specialized-health-services/non-emergency-transportation-services.html
- Elder Options -- Elder Helpline (Citrus & Hernando). https://agingresources.org/elder-helpline/
- Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas -- helpline. https://agingcarefl.org/
Please read: Nature Coast Senior Home is an independent guide. We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with Medicaid, any county, or any service listed. This page is general information, not medical, financial, or legal advice. Fares, eligibility, and schedules change and vary by county and program. Confirm current details with the transit office or the official source before you rely on them. We don't collect or sell your information.