A Senior Driving Seniors

For 20 years, Allen Park resident Elaine Erkfitz has picked up senior citizens and disabled persons from their homes and transported them by bus to wherever they want to go.

Erkfitz, who is 85 herself, said she enjoys her role as a senior transportation specialist. She’s a senior driving seniors through a program provided by the city and SMART, the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation.

Residents in need of a ride to their doctor office, dentist office, shopping or other destinations – even just out to lunch – simply call the Parks and Recreation Department to schedule a ride. Destinations can be as far as four miles outside a city border, including hospitals in Dearborn and Wyandotte. The round-trip fee is only $4 per passenger.

Erkfitz is in good health, fit, is friendly and knows the job well. She knows her bus and its equipment, which includes a wheelchair, a walker and a lift for people who need easy access to the vehicle. She knows when it needs maintenance, which is provided by the Department of Public Services.

“I just love what I’m doing,” she said.” I really do.”

Erkfitz followed in the footsteps of her husband of 56 years, Jim, who had retired from BBDO and served the city as a driver. When the city had an opening for another driver, Jim recommended Elaine for the position. She earned a chauffer’s license and at first drove seniors on “adventures,” trips, including Frankenmuth and the Jackson State Prison. Her role eventually changed. She kept the job even after Jim’s passing nine years ago.

The mother of two sons and grandmother of two said the best part of the job is the people she drives. She is there for them, she talks to them and befriends them. As a “good listener,” she’s a great ambassador for the program.

“The seniors are wonderful,” she said. “They really are.”

The city feels the same way about her.

“Elaine is exactly what we need,” said Rob Fulton, director of Parks and Recreation. “We’re the outside attachment to these people. The majority do not drive. Elaine engages with these folks so she’s more than a driver. She is caring. She’s a friend.

“Elaine probably knows more about these passengers than some of their family members,” Rob added. “She has attended funerals and has been invited to parties. They have such a confidence in Elaine and a comfort level. That’s all we ask. She’s good for the SMART program.”

Erkfitz said there are “times I want to retire, but Rob says, ‘what will you do?’ I think I’ll stay until I get bored. You can always play so much pickleball and cardio drumming. Fortunately, my knees are good and I have only minimal hand arthritis.”

Elaine is one of six drivers in the city program. The others are Frank Goodwin, Jim Degg, Tina Righetti, Katie Gryzwa and Dave Wilkie. They are all employed by the City of Allen Park, which has an agreement with SMART.

The city has applied for grants that would pay for a new bus. Allen Park is eligible for two new buses over the next two years.

To schedule a ride, call the Allen Park Department of Parks and Recreation at (313) 928-0771. Transportation hours are 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.