17401, York, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 17401, York, Pennsylvania is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

75.85 percent of residents in 17401 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 6.94 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wellspan York Hospital with a distance of 0.93 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 17401

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. In York, Pennsylvania, specifically within the 17401 ZIP code, this access is largely determined by the ease and efficiency of transportation. This write-up will delve into the available transportation options, analyzing their impact on healthcare access and ultimately providing an “Overall Health Score” for residents. This score will consider drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing options, and medical transport services, painting a comprehensive picture for anyone considering moving to York and prioritizing their health.

The 17401 ZIP code, encompassing a significant portion of the city of York, presents a unique transportation landscape. The primary arteries influencing healthcare access are Interstate 83 (I-83), the York Beltway (PA-30), and various local roads like Market Street, Queen Street, and East Market Street. These thoroughfares, while offering direct routes to healthcare facilities, are often subject to traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. This congestion can significantly impact drive times, potentially delaying crucial medical appointments and exacerbating health concerns.

Driving remains the dominant mode of transportation for accessing healthcare in 17401. The York Hospital, a major healthcare provider, is relatively accessible via I-83 and Market Street, typically requiring a 5-15 minute drive depending on traffic conditions. However, the drive to UPMC Memorial Hospital, located on the outskirts of the city, can extend to 20-30 minutes, especially during rush hour. The York Beltway (PA-30) provides an alternative route, but it too can experience delays, particularly around major intersections. The drive to smaller clinics and specialized medical offices scattered throughout the area also varies, with accessibility often dependent on proximity to major roads and the availability of parking.

Public transportation, primarily provided by the York County Transportation Authority (YCTA), offers a viable, though less convenient, alternative. Several YCTA bus routes serve the 17401 area, including routes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. These routes connect to major healthcare facilities, but the frequency of service and travel times can be significant drawbacks. The average travel time by bus to York Hospital can be 30-45 minutes, including potential wait times and transfers. Furthermore, while YCTA strives for ADA compliance, the availability of accessible routes and the ease of boarding and disembarking can vary, posing challenges for individuals with disabilities or mobility limitations. The reliance on bus schedules also limits flexibility, potentially making it difficult to schedule appointments at desired times.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a more flexible option for accessing healthcare. These services are readily available in the 17401 area, providing on-demand transportation to and from medical facilities. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a barrier for some residents, particularly those with limited incomes. Furthermore, the availability of drivers can fluctuate, especially during peak hours or in less densely populated areas, potentially leading to delays in accessing care. The convenience, however, remains a significant advantage, especially for those without access to a personal vehicle or who prefer not to drive.

Medical transport services cater specifically to individuals with medical needs that preclude them from using standard transportation options. These services, including companies like First Transit and TransCare, offer specialized vehicles and trained personnel to transport patients to and from medical appointments. These services are particularly crucial for individuals with disabilities, those requiring assistance with mobility, or those needing medical monitoring during transport. However, these services often require prior scheduling and may have limited availability, potentially impacting the timing of medical appointments. The cost of medical transport can also be a significant factor, often covered by insurance but subject to specific coverage limitations.

The “Overall Health Score” for commuting to healthcare in 17401 is influenced by a complex interplay of these factors. While the presence of major highways like I-83 and the York Beltway facilitates relatively quick access for those who drive, traffic congestion remains a persistent concern. The YCTA provides a vital service, but its limitations in terms of frequency, travel time, and accessibility detract from its overall effectiveness. Ride-sharing offers a convenient alternative, but cost and availability can be deterrents. Medical transport services provide essential support for specific needs, but their availability and cost further complicate the equation.

Considering these factors, the “Overall Health Score” for healthcare access via transportation in 17401 is a **6.5 out of 10**. This score reflects the mixed bag of transportation options. While driving offers relatively quick access for many, the reliance on personal vehicles and the potential for traffic delays lower the score. Public transit provides a crucial service but suffers from limitations in frequency and travel time. Ride-sharing offers a convenient alternative, but cost and availability are concerns. Medical transport services fill a critical need but are subject to scheduling and cost constraints.

For individuals considering moving to York and prioritizing healthcare access, careful consideration of these transportation factors is essential. Proximity to major roads, the availability of public transit routes, and the potential reliance on ride-sharing or medical transport services should all be weighed when selecting a residence. Understanding the nuances of transportation options in 17401 is paramount to ensuring timely and reliable access to healthcare, ultimately contributing to the overall health and well-being of the community. The city, recognizing these challenges, should continue to invest in improving public transit, promoting ride-sharing programs, and ensuring the availability of accessible transportation options to further enhance the “Overall Health Score” for its residents.