Transportation & Mobility

Safe, dependable transportation to medical appointments, community activities, and everywhere in between.

Freedom to Go Anywhere

Reliable transportation and hands-on travel training that removes mobility barriers and opens up a world of independence across San Diego County.

Getting where you need to go shouldn't be a barrier to living your best life. Our Transportation & Mobility services ensure individuals can reliably reach medical appointments, day programs, social events, grocery stores, and more. We also provide travel training to help individuals learn to navigate public transit independently—opening up a world of freedom and spontaneity.

Transportation barriers are one of the biggest obstacles to independence for autistic adults in San Diego County. Without reliable transportation, individuals miss medical appointments, can't attend day programs, and are cut off from the social connections that make life fulfilling. Our services eliminate these barriers.

Our travel training program is comprehensive and individualized. We start with familiar routes in low-stress environments, gradually building to more complex journeys. Trainees learn to read bus schedules, use the MTS app, handle fare payment, transfer between routes, and manage unexpected situations like route changes or delays.

We also help individuals obtain MTS reduced-fare passes, apply for paratransit eligibility, and set up ride-share accounts. For those who may not achieve fully independent travel, we provide ongoing supported transportation to ensure no one misses out on life because of a ride.

What We Provide

Door-to-door transportation for medical and therapeutic appointments
Rides to day programs, community events, and social activities
Public transit training and travel route planning
Support with obtaining bus passes, paratransit eligibility, and ride-share apps
Wheelchair-accessible vehicle options available

Who This Service Is For

This service is ideal for:

Individuals who need reliable rides to medical appointments and day programs
Adults who want to learn to navigate public transit independently
People whose lack of transportation limits their community participation
Families seeking safe, dependable transportation options for their loved one

What to Expect

Here's how we get started:

Transportation Assessment

We evaluate current mobility needs and long-term goals to create the right mix of direct transport and travel training.

Direct Transportation

Staff provide safe, reliable door-to-door rides to appointments, programs, and community activities.

Travel Training

Structured lessons teach route planning, fare payment, safety awareness, and problem-solving on public transit.

Growing Independence

As skills develop, individuals transition from fully supported rides to independent community travel.

Why Choose Helping Hands Supported Living

Dual Approach

We provide immediate transportation support while simultaneously building long-term travel independence — meeting both current needs and future goals.

San Diego Expertise

Our staff know the MTS system, paratransit options, and San Diego geography inside and out, ensuring efficient and comfortable journeys.

Safety First

All transportation staff are trained in safety protocols, defensive driving, and supporting individuals with varying communication and sensory needs.

Full Mobility Support

Beyond rides, we help with bus passes, paratransit applications, ride-share setup, and route planning — everything needed for complete mobility independence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What areas do you serve for transportation?

We provide transportation services throughout San Diego County, including all cities and communities served by MTS and NCTD transit systems.

What is travel training?

Travel training teaches individuals how to use public transportation independently. Our structured program covers route planning, reading schedules, using transit apps, paying fares, transferring between routes, safety awareness, and handling unexpected situations.

Can you provide transportation to medical appointments?

Yes. Medical and therapeutic appointments are one of the most common reasons families use our transportation services. We ensure individuals arrive on time and can accompany them inside if support is needed.

Do you provide wheelchair-accessible transportation?

Yes. We have wheelchair-accessible vehicle options available and can accommodate a range of mobility needs. Let us know your requirements during the initial assessment and we'll match you with the right vehicle and driver.

How does travel training work with the MTS system?

We start by identifying the routes most relevant to the individual's daily life — to work, day programs, medical offices, and favorite community spots. Training progresses from fully accompanied rides to supervised independent trips to full independence, at whatever pace feels right.