Assemblymember Boerner Secures $1 Million for Free Senior Transportation Program

SAN DIEGO, CA. - Assemblymember Tasha Boerner (D-Encinitas) secured $1 million from the 2026-2027 state budget to maintain the County of San Diego's No-Cost Senior Transportation Program. The County of San Diego No-Cost Senior Transportation Program launched in 2022 in partnership with of Jewish Family Service (JFS) of San Diego, which provides a monthly ride allocation that allows low-income older adults to maintain their health, independence and connection to the community.

"Transportation is a vital part of seniors' lives. It helps them maintain independence and socialize with their local community. This is just one way to promote health outcomes for older adults across the County of San Diego," stated Assemblymember Boerner. "We must create communities where people of all ages can thrive. This budget allocation ensures our seniors are part of our ever-evolving community."

Since its founding, the No-Cost program has scheduled over 67,000 free rides to low-income older adults in the County of San Diego. These rides total more than 367,000 miles and help older adults get to medical appointments, dialysis, physical therapy, cancer treatment, fitness, grocery shopping, personal care, social activities and spiritual reasons.

"Getting to a medical appointment or to other important destinations shouldn't become a barrier to staying healthy and independent as we age," said Jewish Family Service of San Diego CEO Dana Toppel. "Thanks to Assemblymember Boerner's support, more older adults will have reliable, no-cost transportation to the places they love and the appointments that help them continue living independently and staying connected to their community."

In 2024, the program was recognized nationally for its effectiveness by receiving the USAging's Aging Achievement Award. As part of JFS's broader transportation services, the No-Cost program builds on the organization's commitment to helping seniors age with dignity through free transportation programs offered since 2008.

"One of the County of San Diego Aging Roadmap's priorities is to help people stay in their homes as they age," said County of San Diego Interim Director of Aging & Independence Services Allison Boyer, "The funding arranged by Assemblymember Boerner will expand transportation options for older adults who may be struggling with financial or medical hardships that make it difficult to attend crucial appointments."

For more information about transportation programs for older adults, visit jfssd.org/onthego.