Public Transit Helps Seniors Stay Mobile and Independent

By 2030, the number of Americans who are age 65 or older will double to more than 70 million. ; In recognition of this trend, on October 6 America’s public transportation systems are sponsoring « Seniors in Motion Day, » a nationwide initiative to showcase new and innovative ways public transit is meeting the mobility needs of the growing senior population.

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Public transportation organizations from coast to coast are participating in this inaugural event by offering special services, guided trips for new riders, complimentary rides and refreshments, and contest prizes. ; « Seniors in Motion Day » is devoted to helping older Americans feel secure, comfortable and more independent on buses and rail cars from California to Florida.

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« As a larger percentage of Americans grow older and live longer, we need to work fast to find new ways to provide essential transportation choices, ; said William W. Millar, president of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). ; « Public transportation will be called upon to do more, and we will be prepared. ; ‘Seniors in Motion Day’ is proof that our industry is responding to this challenge with great care and urgency. »

Examples of « Seniors in Motion Day » activities include:

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* In Broward County, Florida, a local hospital, in partnership with the public transit system, is offering free health screening sessions for older riders. ; In addition, the local public transportation agency will be promoting a variety of « senior-friendly » destinations throughout Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties.

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* In San Mateo, California, a three-piece band will entertain riders as public transit personnel serve refreshments and provide travel training while seniors ride a low-floor bus. ; Public transportation will take older riders to a « seniors-only » event and a free afternoon movie.

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* In Canton, Akron and Youngstown, Ohio, all three mayors proclaimed October 6 as « Seniors in Motion Day. » ; At senior centers and housing complexes throughout the area, the public transportation system will provide free rides and distribute « How To Ride » brochures along with small gifts and the chance to win a free bus pass for one year.

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More than 6,000 public transportation systems nationwide currently provide various forms of service for older riders, ranging from reduced fares and expanding the use of low-floor vehicles, to personalized travel training sessions for seniors and policies that allow drivers to deviate from fixed bus routes to better accommodate older riders.

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However a study last year by the Surface Transportation Policy Project, AARP and APTA found that the United States is ill prepared to provide adequate transportation choices for a rapidly aging population of baby boomers. ; More than half of all non-drivers age 65 and older stay home largely because transportation options are limited, particularly in rural and smaller communities. ; The resulting isolation has serious social and economic ramifications for the nation.

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« ‘Seniors in Motion Day’ should be a wake-up call that the mobility needs of seniors are no longer simply family or personal issues, but a national priority, » said Millar. ; « With incentives that reward community collaboration and the necessary government support, we can make more transportation options available to older Americans now and in the future. »

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« There is no single solution to this problem, » said Millar. ; « ‘Seniors in Motion Day’ promotes a broad range of programs that are helping seniors use public transportation, and we want the list of successful ideas to grow.

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Today’s events represent an impressive beginning. » In addition to serving as a catalyst for new ideas, APTA hopes that « Seniors in Motion Day » will help generate a constructive debate among federal, state and local public officials about the need for increased investment and a nationwide commitment to improving mobility options for America’s older citizens.

« Aging Americans need to plan for their transportation security just as they plan for their financial security, and public transportation is an important part of the solution, » said Millar. ; « By showcasing public transportation’s best efforts to address this need, we will spark new programs in communities throughout the country. »

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Last May, in commemoration of « Older Americans Month, » APTA released a new campaign called « Easy Rider: Advancing Mobility Needs for Aging Americans. » Easy Rider is a collection of ideas and activities that many public transit systems are using to make public transportation more accessible for seniors. The initiative will be shared at the White House Conference on Aging in December 2005 as a way to address the serious mobility challenges facing older Americans.

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Contents of the Easy Rider initiative can be accessed through the web link: http://www.apta.com/easyrider/programguide.html.

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APTA is a nonprofit international association of 1,500 member organizations including public transportation systems; planning, design, construction and finance firms; product and service providers; academic institutions; and state associations and departments of transportation. ; APTA members serve the public interest by providing safe, efficient and economical public transportation services and products. ; APTA members serve more than 90 percent of persons using public transportation in the United States and Canada.

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SOURCE American Public Transportation Association