Senior transportation, like any service for the elderly, is viewed as charity by some seniors. Some seniors view eligibility requirements for services as an invasion of privacy. Some elders cannot afford to pay for transportation services or feel ashamed if they cannot give a donation. Senior transportation services frequently require advance reservations so they are not available for immediate needs. Bus routes and schedules, often developed to serve commuters, are not compatible with the travel habits and preferences of the elderly.
Seniors have little control over when they leave home or when they arrive at their destination.
Senior transportation services can have a reputation of being unreliable. In addition to those barriers, elders of color face additional barriers which result from cultural perceptions and a lack of sensitivity on the part of the service system. Many minority elders shy away from all services, including transportation, because they have experienced hurtful discriminatory practices in the past. Service providers don't focus on minority elders because they believe that such elders rely on their families to provide transportation. Many minority elders feel uncomfortable when they are the only person like themselves using the transportation system.