TRANSPORTATION
ASLS understands that access to transportation is a key factor in facilitating senior independence within the Aiken community. By providing various transportation services, ASLS is dedicated to serving the needs of seniors and general Aiken County residents.
Best Friend Express
If you’re meeting a friend for lunch, shopping at the Aiken Mall, or taking a class at USC Aiken, you can depend on the Best Friend Express to get you around! The Best Friend Express is Aiken County’s public transit service featuring designated stops throughout 170 miles of Aiken’s urbanized area. Drivers will get any member of the general public to their destination quickly, affordably, and safely.
Best Friend express buses are comfortable “cut-aways” that carry up to 20 passengers. They are ADA compliant and feature wheelchair lift accessibility. They are also equipped with a bicycle rack for passengers. The fare is $2.00 exact change, one way. Discounts apply for students and seniors ($1.50), and the disabled ($1.00). Tickets may also be purchased in advance at the Aiken Senior Life Service office.
Best Friend Express buses run Monday through Friday, circulating throughout Aiken and North Augusta. There are designated stops every two hours from approximately 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., but passengers may “flag” down the driver whenever a bus is visible. There are three available routes. RED covers the south-side portion of Aiken, GREEN covers the metro area and valley, and BLUE covers North Augusta and connects with Augusta Public Transit on Broad Street.
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5310 Transportation
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ASLS 5310 Urban Transportation is a grant based program for seniors (age 60+) – or any person with a disability at any age – traveling within the “urbanized” area of Aiken County. In effort to stretch the remaining available funding for the Urban 5310 program, effective May 1, 2024, transportation can only be scheduled for medical appointments and essential shopping. Trips must be scheduled at least 5 business days in advance. As of December 4, 2023, we will be charging $3 each way for this service. Purchase tickets at the transportation lobby window.
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NOTICE OF INTENT TO APPLY FOR FTA URBAN 5310 FUNDS FOR AIKEN COUNTY, SC
To schedule a ride with the 5310 Transportation call (803) 648-5447 ext. 2340. Funding for this program is made possible through the Lower Savannah Council of Governments.
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5311 Transportation
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ASLS Rural Transportation is a free service that takes passengers living outside of the "urbanized" area of Aiken County to and from anywhere in Aiken County. Trips can be for shopping ventures, non-emergency medical trips, physical therapy sessions, hair salon appointments, and more. Its team of professional, reliable drivers will get you where you’re going, safely and on time. The buses are ADA-compliant, comfortable, and equipped with wheelchair lifts for riders. Current clients must schedule trips at least 5 business days in advance.
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To learn more about eligibility requirements for this service please call the Aiken Senior Life Services Mobility Management Coordinator at (803) 648-5447 ext. 2340.
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Dial-A-Ride (DAR)​
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The Dial-A-Ride program is a demand-response program that can accommodate the specific needs of riders who are disabled and live within/are traveling to places within 3/4 of a mile of the Best Friend Express route. Available Monday through Friday, this service offers more flexible scheduling, since passengers can be picked up at home and taken to a specific location. Our ADA-compliant vehicles are equipped with wheelchair lifts and securement devices for riders. The fare is $3.00, each way, and can be paid by cash or check (although ticket purchases are encouraged). Trips should be scheduled at least one day in advance.
To learn more about eligibility requirements and the application process or to schedule a ride please call the Aiken Senior Life Services Mobility Management Coordinator at (803) 648-5447 ext. 2340.
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Title XIX (Medicaid)
Transportation program operated by Medicaid. This type of transportation is classified as ‘non-emergency medical transportation’ or NEMT. The regional broker for this service is known as ModivCare. There are many contractors across the state of SC who provide transportation for Modivcare. Aiken Senior Life Service is considered a contractor. This program is only available to Medicaid approved clients and some Medicare participants. ModivCare approves only medical appointments for its clients.
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To schedule a ride, call ModivCare at (866)-445-6860
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Saturday Shuttle​
The Saturday Shuttle is a pilot program, offering free rides to the public on Saturdays. The Saturday shuttle will operate between 9:00 a.m. and 4 p.m., starting Saturday, September 17th, 2022. The Saturday Shuttle aims to help senior citizens with transportation to shopping centers, restaurants, events, employment, and recreational activities, yet is available to anyone in the general public with a pickup and drop-off location in the urbanized area of Aiken County. All rides must be requested by noon on the Wednesday prior, and all requests must have specific pickup and drop-off times at specific locations with 4:00 p.m. being the latest available pickup time. Limited seating is available, so advanced reservations are strongly encouraged. The Saturday Shuttle will only be available for a limited time as we gauge the need for this service and its success, so seniors shouldn’t wait to take advantage of this free opportunity.
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Anyone wishing to schedule a free Saturday ride should call 803-648-6493.
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COVID-19 Update
​Taking care of the public is what ASLS does best. All Best Friend & ASLS buses are wiped down and disinfected daily with a non-toxic, anti-microbial spray that is EPA-approved. Face masks are provided for any passenger who boards without one.