06081, Tariffville, Connecticut Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 06081, Tariffville, Connecticut is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

65.94 percent of residents in 06081 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.86 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Francis Hospital & Medical Center with a distance of 9.76 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Tariffville (06081)

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. This report analyzes the ease with which residents of Tariffville, Connecticut (ZIP Code 06081) can reach medical facilities, considering various modes of **transportation**. We'll assess drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability to provide an "Overall Health Score" reflecting the accessibility of healthcare in this charming New England town, a crucial consideration for anyone **moving to Tariffville**.

Tariffville, nestled along the Farmington River, offers a tranquil setting. However, its relative isolation necessitates careful consideration of healthcare accessibility. The "Overall Health Score" will reflect the challenges and opportunities residents face when seeking medical care. It will be a composite measure, factoring in the time, cost, and convenience of different travel methods.

**Driving the Distance: The Asphalt Arteries**

For many Tariffville residents, personal vehicles remain the primary mode of **transportation** to healthcare appointments. The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) maintains the roadways that connect Tariffville to medical facilities. The primary route for accessing healthcare is via Route 187, the main thoroughfare through town. This road offers a direct connection to the larger Route 10, which in turn provides access to hospitals and medical centers in nearby towns.

Drive times vary depending on the destination and the time of day. The nearest hospital, Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Hartford, is approximately a 20-30 minute drive via Route 10. This time can be significantly extended during peak rush hour, particularly along Route 10, which can become congested.

Traveling to other medical facilities, such as those in Simsbury or Avon, typically involves shorter drive times, usually between 10 and 20 minutes. However, these times can also fluctuate depending on traffic conditions. Route 185, a secondary road, offers an alternative route to some facilities but can be more winding and less direct.

**Public Transit: Navigating the Network**

Public transit options in Tariffville are limited, which impacts **healthcare access**. The Connecticut Transit (CTtransit) system, while serving the greater Hartford area, offers infrequent service to Tariffville. Route 50, a CTtransit bus route, provides service along Route 10, offering a potential connection to healthcare facilities in Hartford. However, the frequency of this route is limited, with buses running typically every hour or two.

The accessibility of the bus service is a critical factor. CTtransit strives to meet the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ensuring that buses are equipped with features such as ramps and wheelchair lifts. However, the limited frequency and potential travel time involved can pose challenges for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring urgent care.

For those relying on public transit, the total travel time to a hospital in Hartford, including waiting and transfer times, could easily exceed an hour, making it a less desirable option for many. The lack of convenient public transit options is a significant factor in the "Overall Health Score" for Tariffville.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative to driving or public transit, providing on-demand **transportation** to healthcare appointments. The availability of these services in Tariffville is generally good, but the cost can be a barrier for some residents. Surge pricing during peak hours or when demand is high can also significantly increase the expense.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to transport individuals with medical needs, offer a more specialized option. Companies such as AMR (American Medical Response) and LifeStar provide non-emergency medical **transportation**, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services can be invaluable for individuals who are unable to drive or use public transit due to medical conditions. However, these services are typically more expensive than ride-sharing and often require advance booking.

The availability and affordability of ride-sharing and medical transport services contribute to the overall accessibility of healthcare. However, the reliance on these services highlights the limitations of other **transportation** options in Tariffville.

**The Overall Health Score: A Composite View**

The "Overall Health Score" for commuting to healthcare in Tariffville (06081) is a composite measure, reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the available **transportation** options. The score considers the following factors:

* **Drive Time:** The average time required to reach various healthcare facilities by car.
* **Public Transit Accessibility:** The frequency, coverage, and ADA compliance of public transit options.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability and Cost:** The ease of access and affordability of ride-sharing services.
* **Medical Transport Options:** The availability and cost of specialized medical **transportation** services.

Given the limited public transit options, the relatively long drive times to major hospitals, and the potential cost barriers associated with ride-sharing and medical transport, the "Overall Health Score" for Tariffville is moderate. While residents have access to healthcare facilities, the **transportation** options present challenges, particularly for those with mobility limitations or those who do not have access to a personal vehicle.

**Recommendations for Improvement**

To improve the "Overall Health Score" for Tariffville, several measures could be considered:

* **Increased Public Transit Service:** Expanding the frequency and coverage of CTtransit Route 50 or introducing new routes to better serve the community.
* **Subsidized Ride-Sharing Programs:** Partnering with ride-sharing companies to offer discounted fares for medical appointments.
* **Community Shuttle Services:** Establishing a local shuttle service to transport residents to healthcare facilities, especially for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
* **Telehealth Initiatives:** Promoting telehealth services to reduce the need for in-person appointments, particularly for routine check-ups and follow-up care.

By addressing these challenges and implementing improvements, the community can enhance **healthcare access** and improve the overall health and well-being of its residents. For those **moving to Tariffville**, understanding these considerations is crucial for making informed decisions about their healthcare needs. The "Overall Health Score" provides a valuable framework for evaluating the accessibility of healthcare in this charming, yet geographically isolated, New England town.