Getting Around Utica: A Roadmap to Continued Independence

At Acacia Village, most of our residents enjoy the freedom of driving, but it’s also comforting to know there are other ways to get around when you’d rather not be behind the wheel for whatever reason. Having access to alternative transportation expands your options for staying active, social, and connected. Living here in Utica means you have access to a variety of reliable and convenient transportation choices, making it easy to enjoy everything our community and the surrounding area has to see and do.

Understanding Your Mobility Needs

Before we explore the specific local services, it’s helpful to understand a few key terms and assess what you’re looking for in the way of transportation. When it comes to getting around, you can choose the level of support that feels right for you. With curb-to-curb service, the driver will pick you up and drop you off at the curb, while you take care of getting to and from the vehicle. If you’d like a little more assistance, door-to-door service means the driver will walk with you from your door to the vehicle and then to the entrance of your destination. For the highest level of support, door-through-door (escort) service provides personal assistance through the doors of both your home and your destination—and in some cases, the escort may even stay with you during your excursion or appointment.

Acacia Village Scheduled Transport

Of course, we offer scheduled transportation here at Acacia Village, if you need to go out to shop. You can find out more about it here.  

Check with the Experts: Oneida County Office for Aging

For any senior or caregiver in the region, the most important first step is to contact the Oneida County Office for Aging and Continuing Care. They serve as a “front door” to the system, offering personalized assessments, referrals, and direct support. Their staff are experts in the local network and can connect you with the most appropriate options based on your individual needs, location, and eligibility.

• Phone: 315-798-5456

Other Utica Area Transportation Options

Living in Utica means having a multi-layered network of services, each with its own unique benefits:

The Local Bus Service

CENTRO does operate a fixed-route bus system in Utica, but since there isn’t a stop that is very near Acacia Village, it isn’t the most convenient option if you’re one of our residents. However, CENTRO’s Call-a-Bus service may be much more helpful. This shared, curb-to-curb transportation is available to those with a medically certified disability that makes it difficult to use the regular bus system. The cost is just $2.00 per one-way trip, and rides must be reserved in advance—either by phone or through the Call-A-Bus MOVE mobile app. For many, this service provides a safe, affordable, and reliable way to reach appointments or errands without the need to drive. Learn more about how to qualify here. To schedule a ride, call 315-797-1703.

RSVP Volunteer Transportation Program 

This invaluable program, a partnership with the Oneida County Office for Aging, provides free, door-to-door rides for seniors (60+) to medical appointments.

• Eligibility: Must be an Oneida County resident, 60+, and ambulatory (able to get in and out of a standard car with minimal assistance).
• Scheduling: Requires calling two to three weeks in advance due to reliance on volunteer availability. Donations are gratefully accepted.
• Contact: Oneida County Office for Aging and Continuing Care: 315-798-5456

Professional Medical & Door-to-Door Transportation (NEMT)

For those needing higher levels of assistance, wheelchair-accessible vehicles, or who don’t qualify for other programs, professional companies offer specialized services. They often accept Medicaid, Medicare, and private pay, and can arrange non-medical private trips.

• Apex Medical Transport: Based in Utica/New Hartford, offers NEMT and private services with wheelchair-accessible and standard vehicles. Contact: 315-737-3456.
• Empire DM, Inc.: Serves Oneida County, specializing in senior and handicapped transportation, with both ambulatory and ambulette (wheelchair van) services. Contact: 315-477-1487.
• A&D Transport Services, Inc.: Serves 16 counties, offering 24/7 taxi, medical transport, and wheelchair van service with motorized lifts. They explicitly offer senior discounts. Contact: 607-433-1726.

Ride-Hailing and Taxi Services: Flexible Options for Getting Around

For residents who want flexibility without planning ahead, ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft—or traditional taxis—can be a convenient way to get around. These options are especially useful for last-minute trips, such as running errands, dining out, or visiting friends and family.

Uber & Lyft are fully available in the Utica area, offering 24/7 rides with upfront price estimates and real-time tracking. While they’re very convenient, they do require a smartphone to request a ride, and prices may change depending on demand. Drivers are not typically trained to provide physical assistance, so these services are best suited for residents who are comfortable getting in and out of the vehicle independently.

To help bridge the technology gap, Uber’s Call-to-Ride program lets you request a ride by phone at 1-833-USE-UBER (1-833-873-8237), available daily from 4 AM to 10 PM. While you don’t need a smartphone, you will need a phone capable of receiving text messages. 

Another option, GoGoGrandparent, acts as a concierge service: you call a simple number, and an operator arranges your Uber or Lyft for you, handling the technology side for a small fee.

And of course, traditional taxis remain a reliable choice. Companies like A&D Transport Services provide 24/7 phone dispatch, professional drivers, and in some cases, senior discounts or more consistent pricing than ride-hailing apps. For many residents, taxis may feel more familiar and offer the ease of simply calling to schedule a ride.

Your Personalized Transportation Plan

At Acacia Village, we understand that true independence is about more than just being able to drive; it’s about having the freedom to go where you want, when you want. Think of this guide as your roadmap to that freedom, highlighting the many resources available right here in Utica. Whether you’re heading to a medical appointment, meeting friends for lunch, or simply enjoying the local scenery, you now have a comprehensive toolkit of transportation options. By combining our non-medical scheduled transportation with the network of services from the Oneida County Office for Aging and other community partners, you can continue to lead a full, active, and connected life, confident that a reliable ride is always a phone call away.