LYNX and Orange County Government Announce FREE Rides for Seniors to the Convention Center Vaccination Site

UPDATE (03/17/21): Residents 60 or older can now request a ride, lowering the age requirement from 65 to coincide with the Governor’s order to vaccinate residents 60+.

UPDATE (03/04/21): The Federal FEMA vaccination site at Valencia College West Campus is also included in this transportation program. No vaccination appointments at this site are required to be able to request a ride.

Orange County, Fla. – Seniors who are unable to drive themselves to the Orange County Convention Center vaccination site may have some transportation options, thanks to Lynx.

Residents who are 60 and older, who have obtained an appointment for a COVID-19 shot and do not have a way to transport themselves to the Convention Center site can call Orange County customer service by dialing 3-1-1 to find out how to qualify for a ride.

“We understand not everyone has the means to drive to the Convention Center,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings. “By partnering with Lynx, we hope this will be a viable option for a vulnerable senior to get vaccinated.”

Orange County Government’s 3-1-1 customer service will coordinate with the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) in Orange County to find transportation options for vulnerable seniors in need of a vaccination.

Lynx needs at least a 48-hour prior notice to schedule a ride through the OEM. Since OEM does not operate on weekends, any ride needed for a Saturday or Monday, must be made the prior Thursday at the latest during regular business hours.

“Transit and transportation is all about providing opportunities to those who need to get around, and moving thousands of people each and every day is what we do,” said Lynx CEO James E. (Jim) Harrison. “Nothing makes us happier than removing mobility hurdles by providing trips to those who need to get around and, in this case, access to the vaccine, a key component in crushing COVID-19.”

When the ride is scheduled, the Lynx driver will pick up the senior at their residence and drive to the Convention Center. The Lynx driver will then wait in the vehicle line with the senior through the entire vaccination process, and then take the rider directly back to their home.

To qualify, the senior must be able to prove they have a valid vaccination appointment. A family member or caregiver may also ride along. Masks will be mandatory for the duration of the ride.

This is for the Convention Center site only.  Lynx can transport qualified seniors from Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties to the Convention Center site.

If you live outside Orange County, 3-1-1 can be accessed by calling 407-836-3111.

In addition, LYNX will still be able to take ACCESS LYNX clients from their homes to a vaccination site and back. Again, the service will wait in line with the passenger and let a health care worker enter the vehicle to administer the vaccine.

ACCESS LYNX clients can make a reservation by calling the ACCESS LYNX customer service center at (407) 423-8747, option #4.