Those tasks are fewer than many would think though. Blind people can and do travel independently in most any situation. The misconception that blind people need assistance in all areas of travel is only partly based on fact. To teach O and M to a visually impaired senior would be in some ways much harder than teaching it to a congenitally blind youth. Also, many seniors experiencing vision loss refuse to use a cane.
Proficient travelers do no necessarily stick to familiar routes.
I've been everywhere, sometimes alone, sometimes with friends. I take friends by choice, not as guides. No, guide dogs do not see traffic light colors or remember routes. The guide dog follows the commands of the owner. It doesn't move unless she tells it to.