Transcript Aging and Mobility for Seniors

White House Conference on Aging
Transportation Policy Committee
Testimony January 8, 2005
Looking Forward… Growing Older
Public Transportation: Providing
Freedom, Access and Mobility
Public Transportation’s Role
Introduction
“As people grow older, they often become less willing or able
to drive, making it necessary to depend on alternative
methods of transportation.”
- Aging Americans: Stranded Without Options
Public Transportation’s Role
Introduction Continued
An April 2004 study, Aging Americans:
Stranded Without Options states:
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More than half of all non-drivers are isolated and stay home.
15% less trips to the doctor.
65% fewer trips for social, family and religious activities.
Aging and Mobility Review
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Define the problems and challenges
Identify solutions
Clarify what is needed to implement the solutions
Conclusion
Defining the Problems and Challenges
Noted in an April 2004 study, Aging Americans:
Stranded Without Options states:
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“The demographics in the United States continue to change
and are expected to dramatically changed during the next 25
years as more baby boomers reach their 60’s, 70’s and
beyond.”
“As people grow older, they often become less willing or able
to drive, making it necessary to depend on alternative
methods of transportation.”
The report concludes that “the United States is currently ill
prepared to provide adequate transportation choices for our
rapidly aging population.”
Defining the Problems and Challenges
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Demand: by 2025 there will be more than 60 million people
age 65 and older.
Availability: one half of all American households do not have
access to adequate transportation options. In rural areas,
nearly 2/3 of all residents have few if any transit options.
Funding: inadequate investment in expanding and improving
public transportation infrastructure.
Higher costs for more specialized and individualized services.
Lack of coordination between governmental human services
programs. (62 programs)
Unfamiliarity with available options leading to negative
attitudes and perceptions.
Identifying Solutions
Redefining Public Transportation
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Funding
Planning/Zoning/Design
Research
Regional and interagency coordination
Customer service and information/communications
Advances in technology
Identifying Solutions
Public Transportation Works
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From Miami to Las Vegas to Ohio, investments in training and
increased fixed routes are proving to be very successful.
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Travel training sessions
“Outings” for senior riders
Reduced fares
Individualized assistance
“Buddy travel initiatives”
Individuals employed to specifically work with the growing senior
population.
Public Transportation Solutions
Addressing Aging Issues
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Nearly 90% of all buses are lift or ramp-equipped
Many buses now feature voice annunciation systems
Accessible demand response in many locations
Reduced or free fares for riders 65 or older in many
communities
Public Transportation Solutions
RTC of Southern Nevada
Developed a series of “Silver Star” routes to provide
mobility options to seniors.
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Focuses on seniors and those not eligible for paratransit
service, but not comfortable or mobile enough for regular
fixed route.
Silver Star routes use cutaway vans that have a fixed route
developed and requested by the community in which it
serves enabling door to door service.
Public Transportation Solutions
Transit Authority of River City (TARC)
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100% lift equipped buses
Two-thirds of vehicles are low-floor
“Kneeling” technology available on most buses
Reduced fares for riders 65 and older and group rates
“Day on the Town” outings
TARC 3 paratransit/demand-response service provided
314,000 rides in FY04
Implementing Solutions
Meeting the Needs
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Stable, long-term, dedicated sources of funding.
Greater linkage between transportation and community
planning and development.
Design a more accessible environment - supporting universal
access.
Implement awareness programs that focus on transportation
options and the availability of public transportation.
Implement Public Transportation Enterprise Zone Pilot
Program.
Implement Incentive Grant Program to improve senior
transportation.
Implementing Solutions
Meeting the Needs
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Support/Enforce New Federal Policies
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“New Freedoms” initiative would improve access to jobs
and community and social situations for seniors and people
with disabilities.
Implement White House Executive Order on Human
Service Transportation Coordination which brings the 62
agencies together for better planning, coordination and
implementation.
Conclusion
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Plan for transportation and mobility, just as you plan for
financial security.
Increased investment, training and communications will help
make public transportation a viable option for American’s of
all ages.
Additional capacity and training will provide seniors with
mobility choices resulting in: freedom, independence,
access to social activities, employment, social services,
healthcare, etc.