There’s an endless assortment of fun things for seniors to do in and around Amelia Island, from walks on the beach to dining with friends at one of its many highly rated restaurants. But getting to and from activities and appointments can be challenging for local seniors who don’t drive.
Nassau County Council on Aging and NassauTRANSIT are working together to ensure access to public transportation for seniors so you can enjoy convenient, affordable transit to entertainment and recreation opportunities as well as day-to-day commitments like medical appointments and grocery shopping.
NassauTRANSIT is a nonprofit organization committed to providing safe, low-cost public transportation options for Nassau County, Florida, seniors. NassauTRANSIT offers four different transportation services that meet four distinct needs within the community.
NassauTRANSIT Public Transportation
This cross-county transportation service connects Callahan, Hilliard, Yulee, and Fernandina Beach in Nassau County and Jacksonville’s River City Marketplace and Florida State College at Jacksonville. NassauTRANSIT has eight designated bus stops with scheduled routes.
Find a bus stop map and bus schedule here.
Hours of operation: Monday through Friday 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. (except on holidays) Fares: $1 each way with no additional charge for transfers
Wheelchair accessible: Yes
Island Hopper
NassauTRANSIT’s Island Hopper shuttle offers passengers “hop on, hop off” transportation around the northern half of Amelia Island. The bus departs from Fernandina Beach City Hall at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. The bus arrives back at City Hall approximately one hour after departure.
There are nine scheduled stops along the route, including Central Park, Seaside Park, Main Beach, and Walmart, but the driver will let passengers off at requested nonscheduled stops if it is safe to do so.
See a map of Island Hopper stops and the shuttle schedule here.
Hours of operation: Thursday through Monday (including holidays)
Fares: $1 per boarding
Wheelchair accessible: Yes
Nassau Express Select
The Nassau Express Select service is a partnership between the Jacksonville Transportation Authority and Nassau County Council on Aging. This executive-style commuter service between Nassau County and downtown Jacksonville comes equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi and USB charging ports.
With two morning trips and three afternoon trips per weekday, Nassau Express Select offers comfortable, convenient, affordable transportation to downtown Jacksonville’s museums, theaters, restaurants, and world-class medical facilities.
Learn more about Nassau Express Select and view its route map and schedule here.
Hours of operation: Monday through Friday (except holidays)
Fares: $3 per one-way trip, $5 one-day pass, $90 31-day pass
Wheelchair accessible: Yes
Registered Para-Transit Services
Nassau County’s Para-Transit service is available to qualifying county residents. This public transportation service for seniors provides door-to-door transportation for medical appointments, social engagements, recreation, shopping, and other needs. Advance registration and reservations are required.
Get more information and find out if you are eligible for Para-Transit registered rider services here.
Hours of operation: Varies
Fares: $2 per one-way trip, $4 round trip
Wheelchair accessible: Yes
Additional Transportation Services
Ambulance and Assisted Wheelchair Transportation in Nassau County
There are two ambulance companies servicing Nassau County:
Century Ambulance
904-356-2828 (Dispatch)
Liberty Ambulance
904-721-0008
Visit Nassau County Council on Aging’s website for pricing and insurance information.
Nassau County Emergency Management’s Special Needs Evacuation Program
Hurricanes are a fact of life for Florida residents, so having an emergency plan in place is essential.
Medically vulnerable residents must be especially prepared in the event of an evacuation. Nassau County recognizes the challenges these residents face and has established the Special Needs Program to provide transportation to an emergency shelter for those who aren’t able to leave the area due to medical restrictions.
Learn more about the Nassau County Special Needs Program and find out how to access its annual enrollment form here.
Amelia Island and its surrounding areas are a popular retirement destination for good reason: There are endless recreation and entertainment options, access to cutting-edge medical facilities, and a perfectly warm climate.
Nassau County appreciates the senior community and wants to ensure that your retirement years here are well spent. Visit its Senior Services webpage to learn more about the senior-focused services and programs Nassau County provides.
