Benefits · Transportation
How to apply for Columbia County Senior Services — Senior Transportation Assistance
Columbia County Senior Services, Inc. (CCSS) — 501(c)(3) nonprofit established 1972; contracted local AAA delivery partner under Elder Options (Mid-Florida Area Agency on Aging, PSA 3); operates senior transportation alongside Meals on Wheels, in-home services, and Alzheimer's care; administrative office at 628 SE Allison Court, Lake City FL 32025
Who it's for
Columbia County Senior Services (CCSS) operates senior transportation as part of its integrated AAA delivery model — same nonprofit that runs Meals on Wheels, in-home supportive services, Alzheimer's care, and the Lifestyle Enrichment Centers in Lake City and Fort White. CCSS transportation provides supplemental rides for Columbia County seniors needing access to congregate meal sites, medical appointments, shopping, and senior activities. Columbia County does NOT operate a fixed-route public bus system — CCSS senior transportation, combined with Florida Transportation Disadvantaged (TD) program funding for low-income riders, is the primary mobility option for seniors. Eligibility uses age 60+ and Columbia County residency for the senior pathway; the Florida TD framework's broader three-pathway test (60+ OR disability OR low-income) also applies. Advance reservations are required. For non-emergency medical care, CCSS transportation can connect Columbia seniors to HCA Florida Lake City Hospital locally; for tertiary care, longer-distance trips to UF Health Shands in Gainesville or Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare require advance scheduling. Apply by calling CCSS at 386-755-0235.
Columbia County does NOT operate a fixed-route public bus system — CCSS senior transportation is the primary local mobility option. All trips require advance reservation; same-day rides are typically not available. Trip capacity is constrained by CCSS's vehicle fleet and driver availability. The integrated CCSS single-intake model (one phone for transit + meals + in-home + Alzheimer's care + activities) is operationally streamlined. For tertiary medical care, advance scheduling for trips to UF Health Shands (Gainesville, about 50 minutes south) or Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (about 1 hour west) is necessary. The Lake City urban core and Fort White (where the Lifestyle Enrichment Centers are located) have closer mobility patterns; rural Columbia residents face longer travel.
What you'll need
- Proof of age 60+ (Florida driver's license, Florida ID, Medicare card, or birth certificate)
- Proof of Columbia County residency (utility bill, lease, or government correspondence)
- Completed CCSS transportation registration
- Advance reservation (typically 24-48 hours; longer for cross-county trips)
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 386-755-0235
Renewals
periodic re-registration; rides scheduled per trip with advance booking
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.