18969, Telford, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 18969, Telford, Pennsylvania is 80 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

62.86 percent of residents in 18969 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 5.79 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Grand View Health with a distance of 2.86 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Telford, PA (ZIP Code 18969)

The overall health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access essential services, most notably healthcare. This analysis delves into the transportation landscape within and surrounding Telford, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18969), evaluating the accessibility of medical facilities and assigning an "Overall Health Score" based on the ease and efficiency of commuting to healthcare appointments. This score considers various transportation options, including personal vehicles, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, providing a comprehensive assessment for residents and those considering **moving to Telford**.

Telford, a borough straddling Montgomery and Bucks counties, presents a unique challenge in terms of healthcare access. While offering a relatively suburban lifestyle, its proximity to larger urban centers like Philadelphia and Allentown necessitates a robust transportation network to ensure timely and reliable access to medical care. This analysis examines the strengths and weaknesses of the current system, ultimately informing the Overall Health Score.

**Drive-Time Analysis:**

The primary mode of transportation for most Telford residents is the personal vehicle. The efficiency of this mode is largely determined by the road network and traffic conditions. The main arteries facilitating access to healthcare facilities are Route 309, Route 113, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-476).

Route 309, a major north-south thoroughfare, provides direct access to hospitals and medical centers in Quakertown to the north and the greater Philadelphia area to the south. However, rush hour congestion, particularly near the intersection of Route 309 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike, can significantly impact travel times.

Route 113, running east-west, offers another crucial link, connecting Telford to nearby towns like Souderton and Lansdale, where various medical practices and urgent care facilities are located. Traffic on Route 113 tends to be less congested than on Route 309, offering a quicker alternative for local appointments.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-476) provides a high-speed option for reaching hospitals in Philadelphia and Allentown. However, toll fees and potential delays due to accidents or construction can add to the overall cost and travel time.

Drive times to healthcare facilities vary significantly based on location and time of day. For instance, a trip to Grand View Hospital in Sellersville, a relatively close option, might take 15-20 minutes under normal conditions. However, a trip to a major hospital in Philadelphia, such as the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, could easily take an hour or more, especially during peak traffic.

**Public Transit Assessment:**

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) provides limited public transportation options in Telford. The primary service available is the Lansdale/Doylestown Regional Rail Line, which has a station in nearby Lansdale. This line offers a connection to Philadelphia, where a vast array of hospitals and medical specialists are located.

However, the Regional Rail line may not be a convenient option for all residents. The station is not within easy walking distance for many Telford residents, and the schedule may not align with appointment times. Additionally, the frequency of trains, particularly during off-peak hours, might require significant waiting times.

SEPTA buses also serve the area, but their routes and frequency are limited. The primary bus routes serving the area are the Route 132 and Route 94. These routes provide connections to nearby towns and shopping centers but do not directly connect to major hospitals or medical centers.

The accessibility of SEPTA services for individuals with disabilities (ADA compliance) is a critical consideration. All SEPTA Regional Rail stations are equipped with elevators and ramps to ensure accessibility. SEPTA buses are also equipped with wheelchair lifts.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Telford, offering a convenient alternative to driving or public transit. These services can be particularly useful for those who do not own a car or are unable to drive. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transport services, such as MedTrans, offer specialized transportation for individuals with mobility limitations or medical needs. These services typically provide door-to-door transportation and can accommodate wheelchairs and other medical equipment. However, medical transport services are often more expensive than ride-sharing or public transit and may require advance booking.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations:**

Considering all factors, the Overall Health Score for commute to healthcare in Telford (ZIP code 18969) is assessed as **Moderate**. While residents have access to various transportation options, each has its limitations.

The primary strength lies in the availability of personal vehicles and the proximity to hospitals and medical facilities. However, traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can significantly impact drive times.

Public transit options are limited and may not be convenient for all residents. Ride-sharing services offer a viable alternative but can be costly. Medical transport services provide specialized assistance but are also expensive.

To improve the Overall Health Score, several recommendations are proposed. Enhancing public transit options, including increasing the frequency of SEPTA bus routes and extending Regional Rail service, would significantly improve healthcare access. Promoting ride-sharing programs for medical appointments could also help.

Furthermore, initiatives to improve traffic flow on major roadways, such as Route 309 and Route 113, would reduce drive times and improve the efficiency of personal vehicles. Finally, expanding the availability of affordable medical transport services would ensure that all residents, regardless of their mobility limitations, can access the healthcare they need.

**Conclusion:**

The ability to access healthcare is fundamental to the well-being of any community. While Telford offers a reasonable level of access, improvements to the transportation infrastructure and services are crucial. By addressing the limitations of the current system, the community can enhance its Overall Health Score and ensure that all residents can receive the timely and appropriate medical care they deserve. This information is particularly relevant for those **moving to Telford** and considering their healthcare needs.