Fulton senior citizens could find it easier to get around soon, if county officials decide to partner with the ride-sharing program Uber.
The county is slated to vote Wednesday on a $10,000 pilot program that would give elderly people rides to senior centers.
The county’s own system for getting seniors around is over-burdened, according to a proposal. Uber created a special program that allows a third party to book rides for senior citizens who might not be proficient at using cellphones. The county and the company put it to use during a three-month trial at one senior center.
If the small-scale pilot program is approved, the county will continue to study the cost and efficiency of the program, including whether a better transportation network exists.
A recent survey of seniors showed that 15 percent of respondents older than 54 needed help getting to the county’s four senior centers. The pilot program would expand Uber rides to all four locations.
The proposal said Uber is currently the only transportation network that allows a third party to book multiple rides.
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