Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the expansion of a state-level initiative aimed at addressing mobility challenges among older adults through a partnership with GoGoGrandparent, a ride-and-delivery service tailored for aging populations. The expansion, reported on the Governor’s official website on August 29, 2025, adds 24,000 rides to the program and extends service across 32 counties in New York.
A Targeted Response To Transportation Insecurity Among Aging New Yorkers
The initiative, led by the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA), is designed to fill critical gaps in transportation access for residents aged 60 and above. For many older adults, especially those living in rural areas or without access to smartphones, mobility remains a barrier to healthcare, grocery shopping, and social interaction. This expansion comes at a time when New York is implementing its Master Plan for Aging, which addresses housing, healthcare, caregiving, and community engagement for the state’s aging population.
Governor Hochul emphasized the state’s commitment to providing meaningful support to older adults. “Our unique and innovative transportation models will build on our commitment to ensuring that every New Yorker — regardless of age or mobility — can live with independence, dignity, and connection,” she stated. “By expanding our partnership with GoGoGrandparent, we are delivering real solutions that break down barriers, reduce isolation, and empower older adults to stay active in their communities.”
The GoGoGrandparent program, launched in 2022, has already facilitated 24,000 rides, supporting the 1.7 million trips provided annually by local Offices for the Aging. The added capacity is expected to address a rising need, especially in communities where access to transportation is linked to social isolation and limited health outcomes.
Building Equity Through Free, Technology-Assisted Mobility
What sets GoGoGrandparent apart is its accessible, no-cost structure. Older adults do not need a smartphone or app to use the service. Instead, they can call a toll-free number to book rides via partnered drivers, most of whom opt into the program voluntarily. Vehicles are pre-screened for accessibility, and drivers are briefed on how to assist passengers with mobility aids like walkers and wheelchairs.
The service operates within a median trip distance of 2.76 miles, indicating a strong focus on local errands and appointments. From grocery stores to dialysis centers and family visits, GoGoGrandparent aims to maintain daily life routines for aging New Yorkers.
“Access to safe, reliable, and affordable transportation is a lifeline for older New Yorkers,” said Assemblymember Rebecca Seawright. “This expanded partnership with GoGoGrandparent delivers a vital service—at no cost to older adults—allowing them to remain active in their communities and connected to essential services. I applaud Governor Hochul and NYSOFA for prioritizing equity and affordability as we work to support our rapidly growing aging population across New York State.”
This approach aligns with broader demographic changes. By 2030, all Baby Boomers will be over the age of 65, placing greater demand on states to adapt infrastructure and services. Meanwhile, family caregivers are becoming less available, with fewer children per family and more living far from aging parents.
Local Governments Drive Implementation
The GoGo program is administered locally through county-based Offices for the Aging, which determine eligibility and program delivery based on community needs. While the state provides funding through its annual budget, county offices are responsible for tailoring service access, outreach, and rider registration.
The program is now operational or being implemented in counties including Albany, Dutchess, Monroe, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, and many others. Each office has flexibility in defining which older adults qualify and how rides are scheduled, maximizing responsiveness to regional and demographic differences.
“GoGoGrandparent was created to help aging adults continue to live independently — and safe, reliable transportation is a big part of that,” said Justin Boogaard, co-founder and CEO of the company. “We have heard from hundreds of our New York State riders that without GoGo, they would be housebound. We are honored to have the privilege of working with New York State on this important and impactful program.”
Through its collaboration with local transportation providers and NYSOFA, GoGoGrandparent continues to evolve as a model of public-private cooperation, demonstrating how targeted innovations can make life more livable for older Americans.
Reinforcing Community Connections And Aging In Place
At its core, this initiative is about more than transportation—it is about connection, independence, and dignity. For older adults, losing access to reliable mobility often leads to reduced access to healthcare, diminished social contact, and greater dependence on limited caregiver networks.
By removing logistical and financial barriers, the expanded GoGoGrandparent program seeks to maintain autonomy and reduce feelings of isolation among older New Yorkers. It also aligns with policy goals around aging in place, a preference shared by the majority of seniors nationwide.
The expansion comes as a timely intervention, especially in areas underserved by traditional transit systems. By addressing both practical mobility and emotional well-being, the initiative offers a blueprint for other states seeking to tackle similar challenges.
The program’s continued growth depends on state funding and local participation, and as it gains traction, New York positions itself as a leader in age-friendly innovation. Through this model, older residents can navigate daily life with more certainty and community support—essentials for thriving in later years.
