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Fulton County details senior‑transportation usage as board renews contracts; officials hear calls for easier booking
Summary
County staff told commissioners that over 186,000 trips were provided to seniors year‑to‑date and that two transportation contracts were renewed. Commissioners and speakers urged easier digital booking options and better cross‑agency coordination with MARTA and local senior centers.
Fulton County presented its senior‑transportation report at the Oct. 1 Board of Commissioners meeting and secured approvals to renew two contracts that deliver rides and demand‑response service for residents age 60 and older.
Lede: The Department of Senior Services told commissioners the county logged more than 186,000 senior trips so far this year and that an average of 3,200 seniors use transportation each month; the board then renewed related contracts for up to $3.13 million (Common Courtesy/Breeze network) and $7.63 million (Transdev) across the county’s senior programming.
Nut graf: The department reported that 6,000 seniors are registered for the program, the average monthly trips taken is 11,368, and registered seniors are permitted up to eight one‑way trips monthly (an average of four to five trips is currently used). Commissioners asked staff to explore technology options to simplify booking and to coordinate more closely with MARTA and neighborhood senior centers.
Key points from staff: Department director Ladisa Onyelagu said the county’s model uses a transportation network company (Common Courtesy) for on‑demand ride‑hail service and Transdev for center‑based and demand‑response trips. Staff said there is currently no wait list and that a consultant solicitation is underway to design future procurement and service models because current contracts will expire at the end of 2026.
Board and commissioner discussion: Commissioners asked for breakdowns of average usage (eligible vs. registered vs. using), clarification that seniors can schedule up to eight one‑way trips (with an additional two one‑way trips allowed in some medical circumstances), and follow‑up data showing how many seniors regularly reach their full allocation. Several commissioners urged staff to pursue app‑based or streamlined booking that maintains eligibility controls for county‑funded rides.
Votes: The board approved contract renewals for Common Courtesy (up to $3,134,178) and Transdev (up to $7,625,171.58) and other nutrition and mobility contracts; all were recorded as unanimous approvals.
Ending: Staff said it will bring further data on usage patterns, cost projections for expanded ride allotments and the consultant’s recommendations to the board; commissioners indicated interest in pilot approaches to make booking simpler while preserving eligibility checks.
