Driving off the road 
In contemporary western society, significant advances in health care and quality of living are resulting in increased longevity of life. One aspect is vehicle owners are continuing to drive for much longer. In many cases, the individuals are fully capable. Their physical health, alertness and reactions are still in good shape. However, there are many senior family members who may well be advised to "stable the horse" and use public transport.
The act of rounding off one's driving career is no easier than moving into a new phase of life at the end of one's professional career. It can be a traumatic event and even a confusing experience. Is there an alternative route? Maybe a transition period or a re-shaped method of transport more closely related to our independent driving culture or a carefully structured chauffeuring company could be the answer. Such a company would provide a whole range of services from a modified quality taxi-service to a full chauffeuring provision.
The secret of such a service would be in tailor-making it to the client's requirements by seeking to provide a wider level of autonomy and more flexibility than public transport. The relationships developed between the personnel in the chauferring company and the client would be such as to retain as many of the facets of personal driving as possible e.g. freedom, flexibility and a family atmosphere during journeys by road. The clients would retain considerable control over their travelling. If the total cost of a year's average motoring is calculated, maybe the cost of such chauffeuring services would not be so unrealistic. In fact, it might be quite competitive as the vehicle is only being used when required. Travel would actually be door-to-door a highly favoured aspect.
The quality of the personnel serving in such a company would be a key factor in developing the community service. Their customer-relations skills would need to be well developed and sparkling.
An idea to consider - a new venture to ignite.....
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