I would be interested in efforts around the country to identify senior populations near public transit and what modificatins trnsit agencies made to service to better accommodate the needs of seniors near route, i.e. flexing route, travel training, marketing etc.
1. Improve the accessibility of the city, i.e. are there sidewalks, wheel chair ramps and pads, trundicated domes for visually impaired, pedestrian friendly traffic controls?
2. Develop a comprehensive list of transporation resources in the greater community. Include details, service operating hours, are they wheel chair capable, where do they operate? Inside city limits? Out side and rural? How much do they charge, local trips inside? Rural trips? Do they accept Medicaid for Medical trips?
3. Hold community meetings that bring transporation provider and transportation users together to develp a raport, and determine needs, and gaps in transporation services. Use newpaper, and News media to get the word out.
4. Develop a comprehensive transporatation plan. The MPO should be the focal point and key in developing the overal plan.
Note: IMO the biggest overall problem with transporation, is affordability for people who live outside the venue of normal public transporation for non-medical trips, and medical trips for those that can not qualify for medicaid transportation.
Bill, I thought your post was very interesting. I live in a very rural part of Pa near Gettysburg and it used to be the transportation was handled by a carrier called ACTA, they had both small buses and mini vans and it wasn't too bad, if you had a medical problem they would account for it and try and send a mini van if it was with your back or bones (neurological) or your ability to walk anything you mentioned to them they tried to accommodate. Now they have switch to Rabbit transit which is the main bus line to get around here and when you request anything, it is I am sorry it goes by where and when you are going and we take no special requests unless you have a wheel chair. I am 50 but am in pain 24/7 from a back surgery that went totally bad, even riding in a car bothers me and I am on my meds. I try to get the front seat because that is where the least jiggling goes on and I also take a pillow to help cushion my back. I don't believe that the major carriers should get involved in transporting elderly or disabled people, as long as it is just to my doctors office I won't take my wheel chair, I keep trying to keep my legs going till the day comes as my doctor has told me they will not work as my toes already do not and other parts, but I cannot walk more than 10 min. or they start to hurt with my spine and I have a tendency to fall and break bones. The elderly and handicapped need specially trained people whom are good and not nasty hearted to take us places. They have left me somewhere once because the gentleman said he waited his 5-6 min. and could send someone to pick me up but it would cost 12 dollars and it would have probably been a bus that would be going there anyway (it is a large and very busy Doctors Complex, they also have an hour before your appointment and an hour after your appointment to pick or drop you off, so it could take the whole afternoon for just one trip that you know will only last the most 30 min. yet they put down an hour appointment which is just the minimum. Now with the cold my neuropathy really acts up severely and some of these places only have cold metal benches to wait, I say give it to the people that know how to treat us and care for us and not an old semi-retired bus driver whom is mean and nasty to all his customers elderly, handicapped or regular...
Ps. Yes I have complained and all they say is they have a limited amount of drivers, they should go to the unemployment office or CAO and train people for the job.
I agree with what Bill has recommended. We have a large (24% over 65) senior population and are trying to accommodate them in a number of ways. One is the bus itself, the RTA went to low floor buses for their fixed route and one Flex service which was big. Travel training is also a component of a good service, especially new service. We developed a video for our flex service http://www.gocapecod.org/videos/flex2009-retirees.htm that was distributed through the COAs.
Bill touched on it but one big thing, to me, is to include non-essential trip opportunities in service planning. Too much emphasis is placed on medical and essential services. Non-essential trips (movies, continuing education, dinning out) are important to a good quality of life. My experience is many essential trips are covered by family and friends but the life enhancing trips are not.
I'm curious about two factors that we believe discourage older adults from trying to use public transit -- lack of shelters and other amenities at bus stops, and concern about not knowing how long it will be until the next bus arrives. How critical are these issues to older adults? If the bus stop had a brightly lit shelter, and there was technology to ensure that passengers knew when the next bus was coming, would that make a significant difference in transit use by older adults?
I agree completely. While I failed to mention it in my post above, we have an ongoing ADA improvement, bench and Shelter program in our community. Federal 80/20 grants are available and the key factor in making these improvements happen. I like the idea of lighting as an enhancement to encourage more use of the fixed route by seniors, as safety is one of their main concerns. We have not yet considered this, but I have seen it used in other cities. Thanks for the insight.
What about posting a number that people can call to find out when the next bus is scheduled to arrive? I know that many seniors may not have a cell phone, but this would be another reason to get one.
I don't have data other than comments but the bench and shelter program the local transit agency has implemented has been appreciated. We have also been working together on a non-proprietary customer information system I see expanding. Real time bus locations are currently available on the web and soon to be on smartphones for the RTA vehicles; fixed route and demand response and the system is being expanded to private providers. One pilot that uses the GIS platform is a talking smartphone/PDA that will tell the vision impaired verbally where the bus is. All of this will be used to provide "next bus" information and allow for better coordination between different services. As funding allows, the information systems will be integrated into transfer locations and bus stops. To see our real time tracking - see http://www.geolabvirtualmaps.com/CapeCodRegionalTransitAuthority_Legacy.aspx
If transit systems had wayfinding and other information amentities targeted to needs of seniors and people with disabilites, then their system would be easy to use for all people. Instead of looking as these measures as helping just 5% of a system's ridership, they would help everyone and lower the learning curve for potential new users.
It is extremely important, in discussing transportation services for older adults, that public transportation systems reach out to their local Area Agency on Aging. These agencies can very easily be located by going to the ElderCare Locator at the following website (copy and paste in your browser):
If transit agencies (dial-a-ride, and paratransit) could notify riders when they have arrived at there residence or apartment complex that would be great. The reason is for some areas of the states when winter hits it is hard for anyone to wait outside for the ride.
I think this is such a great, and easy way, to make transportation more available to older adults. Winter is the perfect example, as mentioned, to implement these minor changes. Whether it is as simple as providing drivers with a basic cell phone, reimbursing them for the calls they make, or even more complex such as notifying via text message, this seems like a seemingly easy way to make things more accessible.
Many seniors need to be accompanied by a caregiver. Do you accommodate this need? What if the caregiver is not a senior? Do you charge the caregiver a fee to ride? Do you provide door-to-door service? Are your services available on-demand (as needed) or only on a pre-determined, fixed schedule?
As far as public transit, there are strict rules laid out by the Federal Transit Administration whem using paratransit (van) service for people with disabilities one Personal Care Attendant (PCA) can ride free of charge. The Fixed Bus route is not subject to this rule as far as I know, however Seniors can get a reduced rate in most cities. In Shreveport, for example a Seniors 62+ and People with disabilities can purchase a "Flash Pass" for $20.00, which provides "unlimited trips" on the regular city bus for any 30 day period. This is one half of are regular rate of $40.00.
In addition to financial incentives , older adult ridership can also be motivated if the operators are well trained and appreciate the needs of riders. Older adults or for that matter any ridership is willing to pay more for travel purposes, if they know that the ride will be pleasant, enjoyable and safe!This will ensure return ridership ,who willingly are drawn towards the transit use.
With respect to route design, it is possible to design services open to the general public but focused on the needs of older persons. Using smaller buses with kneeling features that wind their way through medical plazas, shopping centers and adult communities to reduce walking. Providing more recovery time and time built into fixed route schedules for route deviation. Use of low floor buses with ramps to reduce climbing steps into the vehicle. These service route type services can attract senior riders who might otherwise avoid using traditional public bus services.
If we would plan, purchase, and use univeresally accessible equipment - such as the kneeling buses, vehicles which are easy to get off and onto, that would address one issue. Public transit is generally planned for people who are able to walk to specified stops, wait outdoors in the weather, standing up, climb steps, handle their own carry-ons, etc. These requirements don't fit the needs of less-than-optimally-fit seniors. Whether we will be able to afford to make the changes that would make transit more pleasant and easier for everyone, including seniors and people with disabilities, to use remains to be seen. As the senior population grows as a percentage of our total population, I surely hope that accessibility will become the norm, rather than an expensive option.
" Public transit is generally planned for people who are able to walk to specified stops, wait outdoors in the weather, standing up, climb steps, handle their own carry-ons, etc. "
With regard to the above: Public transit entities must comply with the Americans with Disability Act, DOT and FTA rules, policies and procedures.
Fixed route buses for example are required to kneel, to accommodate wheel chairs, to have systems or operators that will announce stops, transfer points, and major points of interest, as well as providing priority seating (in the front near the operator) specifically designated for Seniors and people with disabilities. Additionally, Title 49, volume 1 of The code of Federal Regulations, part 37, para 37.165(f) states: "Where necessary or upon request, the entity's personnel SHALL assist individuals with disabilities with the use of securement systems, ramps and lifts. If it is necessary for the personnel to leave their seats to provide this assistance, they SHALL do so."
(Note: a Senior or person with a disability should ask to use the bus ramp or lift when it is difficult for them to navigate the steps)
I agree that we still have a long way to go toward making all bus stops as assessible and accommodating as possible to Seniors and people with disabilities. For People who are NOT able to use the fixed route system due to their disabilities, complementary para-transit services are made available that provide origin to destination services which can include door to door and curb to curb service via assessible vans or buses at a rate not to exceed two times the basic fair of the regular fixed route. In Shreveport/Bossier City we chage $2.50 per trip leg, which is twice the basic fare of $1.25 on the fixed route.
Bill I understand what public transit is but it is not correct to say that is only for people that who are able to walk to specified stops, and wait outdoors. There are people that use public transit that do not meet the requirements of para-transit service. Also people understand there are requirements under ADA, and Federal law. However local transit agencies can require that if help is needed they should be providing a helping hand to the customers. As a driver and trainer I was always told you as the driver should ask the passenger if they need help or how can I help you. The passenger should not have to ask. So for saying public transit is just for people that can walk and stand outside is very wrong.
o Important policy reason to make public transportation accessible to as many older persons as possible:If public transportation for general population is accessible to as many older adults as possible, seats on special transportation (which will always be expensive to provide and limited in number) go to those older persons who absolutely need specialized transportation, those who would be isolated or unable to live independently in the community without it.
o Dangerous intersections, lack of safe pathways to bus stops, and sidewalk benches are serious barriers to accessibility. The lack of safe and accessible public restrooms is another serious obstacle. Many older persons report they would use the bus if they could get to it. They need bus stops that are within a few blocks, a safe way to walk to reach the stop, and benches along the way on which they can rest. Local government agencies other than the transit agency are usually responsible for providing these features.
Does anyone know of communities in which transportation advocates are joining with Complete Streets, livable communities, disability rights groups, pedestrian initiatives, or other advocacy and community groups to persuade local officials and agencies to provide these features?
AARP Bulletin has article, New Ways for an Aging Population to Get Around, Innovative Transportation Ideas Take Root in Cities and Towns, by Sally Abrahms
Article features several innovative systems including Delmarva Community Transit and quotes DCT's Director Santo Grande, who is also NCST Steering Committee member.
AARP's article is wrapped behind a full page ad, but you can get to the article by clicking "close ad" in the upper right corner of the browser window.
I agree, and I understand your suggestion, especially in certain cases when the need is obvious. I have seen cases where some seniors can get perturbed if an operator asks them if they need assistance, so unless it is quite obvious they do, then it might be better to wait for the rider to ask. The phase "When necessary" is implies making a jugement that the operator might be unsure about. It is my experience that People who generally need assistance when they ride the fixed route, or the paratransit system regularly, have no problem asking for assistance if they need it, and it is not automatically offered.
Comments (27)
I would be interested in efforts around the country to identify senior populations near public transit and what modificatins trnsit agencies made to service to better accommodate the needs of seniors near route, i.e. flexing route, travel training, marketing etc.
Increasing older adult ridership.
1. Improve the accessibility of the city, i.e. are there sidewalks, wheel chair ramps and pads, trundicated domes for visually impaired, pedestrian friendly traffic controls?
2. Develop a comprehensive list of transporation resources in the greater community. Include details, service operating hours, are they wheel chair capable, where do they operate? Inside city limits? Out side and rural? How much do they charge, local trips inside? Rural trips? Do they accept Medicaid for Medical trips?
3. Hold community meetings that bring transporation provider and transportation users together to develp a raport, and determine needs, and gaps in transporation services. Use newpaper, and News media to get the word out.
4. Develop a comprehensive transporatation plan. The MPO should be the focal point and key in developing the overal plan.
Note: IMO the biggest overall problem with transporation, is affordability for people who live outside the venue of normal public transporation for non-medical trips, and medical trips for those that can not qualify for medicaid transportation.
Bill Spickerman
ADA Coordinator
Sportran (public transit provider)
Shreveport, Louisiana
Bill, I thought your post was very interesting. I live in a very rural part of Pa near Gettysburg and it used to be the transportation was handled by a carrier called ACTA, they had both small buses and mini vans and it wasn't too bad, if you had a medical problem they would account for it and try and send a mini van if it was with your back or bones (neurological) or your ability to walk anything you mentioned to them they tried to accommodate. Now they have switch to Rabbit transit which is the main bus line to get around here and when you request anything, it is I am sorry it goes by where and when you are going and we take no special requests unless you have a wheel chair. I am 50 but am in pain 24/7 from a back surgery that went totally bad, even riding in a car bothers me and I am on my meds. I try to get the front seat because that is where the least jiggling goes on and I also take a pillow to help cushion my back. I don't believe that the major carriers should get involved in transporting elderly or disabled people, as long as it is just to my doctors office I won't take my wheel chair, I keep trying to keep my legs going till the day comes as my doctor has told me they will not work as my toes already do not and other parts, but I cannot walk more than 10 min. or they start to hurt with my spine and I have a tendency to fall and break bones. The elderly and handicapped need specially trained people whom are good and not nasty hearted to take us places. They have left me somewhere once because the gentleman said he waited his 5-6 min. and could send someone to pick me up but it would cost 12 dollars and it would have probably been a bus that would be going there anyway (it is a large and very busy Doctors Complex, they also have an hour before your appointment and an hour after your appointment to pick or drop you off, so it could take the whole afternoon for just one trip that you know will only last the most 30 min. yet they put down an hour appointment which is just the minimum. Now with the cold my neuropathy really acts up severely and some of these places only have cold metal benches to wait, I say give it to the people that know how to treat us and care for us and not an old semi-retired bus driver whom is mean and nasty to all his customers elderly, handicapped or regular...
Ps. Yes I have complained and all they say is they have a limited amount of drivers, they should go to the unemployment office or CAO and train people for the job.
I agree with what Bill has recommended. We have a large (24% over 65) senior population and are trying to accommodate them in a number of ways. One is the bus itself, the RTA went to low floor buses for their fixed route and one Flex service which was big. Travel training is also a component of a good service, especially new service. We developed a video for our flex service http://www.gocapecod.org/videos/flex2009-retirees.htm that was distributed through the COAs.
Bill touched on it but one big thing, to me, is to include non-essential trip opportunities in service planning. Too much emphasis is placed on medical and essential services. Non-essential trips (movies, continuing education, dinning out) are important to a good quality of life. My experience is many essential trips are covered by family and friends but the life enhancing trips are not.
Great point on the recreational/quality of life trips.
I'm curious about two factors that we believe discourage older adults from trying to use public transit -- lack of shelters and other amenities at bus stops, and concern about not knowing how long it will be until the next bus arrives. How critical are these issues to older adults? If the bus stop had a brightly lit shelter, and there was technology to ensure that passengers knew when the next bus was coming, would that make a significant difference in transit use by older adults?
David Lee, General Manager, CTTRANSIT
This is a good question. I'd love to hear from the aging community to see what they think. And anyone else who may have knowledge about this.
I agree completely. While I failed to mention it in my post above, we have an ongoing ADA improvement, bench and Shelter program in our community. Federal 80/20 grants are available and the key factor in making these improvements happen. I like the idea of lighting as an enhancement to encourage more use of the fixed route by seniors, as safety is one of their main concerns. We have not yet considered this, but I have seen it used in other cities. Thanks for the insight.
What about posting a number that people can call to find out when the next bus is scheduled to arrive? I know that many seniors may not have a cell phone, but this would be another reason to get one.
I don't have data other than comments but the bench and shelter program the local transit agency has implemented has been appreciated. We have also been working together on a non-proprietary customer information system I see expanding. Real time bus locations are currently available on the web and soon to be on smartphones for the RTA vehicles; fixed route and demand response and the system is being expanded to private providers. One pilot that uses the GIS platform is a talking smartphone/PDA that will tell the vision impaired verbally where the bus is. All of this will be used to provide "next bus" information and allow for better coordination between different services. As funding allows, the information systems will be integrated into transfer locations and bus stops. To see our real time tracking - see http://www.geolabvirtualmaps.com/CapeCodRegionalTransitAuthority_Legacy.aspx
If transit systems had wayfinding and other information amentities targeted to needs of seniors and people with disabilites, then their system would be easy to use for all people. Instead of looking as these measures as helping just 5% of a system's ridership, they would help everyone and lower the learning curve for potential new users.
It is extremely important, in discussing transportation services for older adults, that public transportation systems reach out to their local Area Agency on Aging. These agencies can very easily be located by going to the ElderCare Locator at the following website (copy and paste in your browser):
http://www.eldercare.gov/Eldercare.NET/Public/Index.aspx
You can typ in your zip code, and it will take you to your local contact.
If transit agencies (dial-a-ride, and paratransit) could notify riders when they have arrived at there residence or apartment complex that would be great. The reason is for some areas of the states when winter hits it is hard for anyone to wait outside for the ride.
I think this is such a great, and easy way, to make transportation more available to older adults. Winter is the perfect example, as mentioned, to implement these minor changes. Whether it is as simple as providing drivers with a basic cell phone, reimbursing them for the calls they make, or even more complex such as notifying via text message, this seems like a seemingly easy way to make things more accessible.
Many seniors need to be accompanied by a caregiver. Do you accommodate this need? What if the caregiver is not a senior? Do you charge the caregiver a fee to ride? Do you provide door-to-door service? Are your services available on-demand (as needed) or only on a pre-determined, fixed schedule?
As far as public transit, there are strict rules laid out by the Federal Transit Administration whem using paratransit (van) service for people with disabilities one Personal Care Attendant (PCA) can ride free of charge. The Fixed Bus route is not subject to this rule as far as I know, however Seniors can get a reduced rate in most cities. In Shreveport, for example a Seniors 62+ and People with disabilities can purchase a "Flash Pass" for $20.00, which provides "unlimited trips" on the regular city bus for any 30 day period. This is one half of are regular rate of $40.00.
I know here they do not charge the caregiver a fee for the ride, especially if you are handicapped.
In addition to financial incentives , older adult ridership can also be motivated if the operators are well trained and appreciate the needs of riders. Older adults or for that matter any ridership is willing to pay more for travel purposes, if they know that the ride will be pleasant, enjoyable and safe!This will ensure return ridership ,who willingly are drawn towards the transit use.
With respect to route design, it is possible to design services open to the general public but focused on the needs of older persons. Using smaller buses with kneeling features that wind their way through medical plazas, shopping centers and adult communities to reduce walking. Providing more recovery time and time built into fixed route schedules for route deviation. Use of low floor buses with ramps to reduce climbing steps into the vehicle. These service route type services can attract senior riders who might otherwise avoid using traditional public bus services.
If we would plan, purchase, and use univeresally accessible equipment - such as the kneeling buses, vehicles which are easy to get off and onto, that would address one issue. Public transit is generally planned for people who are able to walk to specified stops, wait outdoors in the weather, standing up, climb steps, handle their own carry-ons, etc. These requirements don't fit the needs of less-than-optimally-fit seniors. Whether we will be able to afford to make the changes that would make transit more pleasant and easier for everyone, including seniors and people with disabilities, to use remains to be seen. As the senior population grows as a percentage of our total population, I surely hope that accessibility will become the norm, rather than an expensive option.
" Public transit is generally planned for people who are able to walk to specified stops, wait outdoors in the weather, standing up, climb steps, handle their own carry-ons, etc. "
With regard to the above: Public transit entities must comply with the Americans with Disability Act, DOT and FTA rules, policies and procedures.
Fixed route buses for example are required to kneel, to accommodate wheel chairs, to have systems or operators that will announce stops, transfer points, and major points of interest, as well as providing priority seating (in the front near the operator) specifically designated for Seniors and people with disabilities. Additionally, Title 49, volume 1 of The code of Federal Regulations, part 37, para 37.165(f) states: "Where necessary or upon request, the entity's personnel SHALL assist individuals with disabilities with the use of securement systems, ramps and lifts. If it is necessary for the personnel to leave their seats to provide this assistance, they SHALL do so."
(Note: a Senior or person with a disability should ask to use the bus ramp or lift when it is difficult for them to navigate the steps)
You can find this information and much more here: http://www.fta.dot.gov/civilrights/12325_3884.html
I agree that we still have a long way to go toward making all bus stops as assessible and accommodating as possible to Seniors and people with disabilities. For People who are NOT able to use the fixed route system due to their disabilities, complementary para-transit services are made available that provide origin to destination services which can include door to door and curb to curb service via assessible vans or buses at a rate not to exceed two times the basic fair of the regular fixed route. In Shreveport/Bossier City we chage $2.50 per trip leg, which is twice the basic fare of $1.25 on the fixed route.
Bill I understand what public transit is but it is not correct to say that is only for people that who are able to walk to specified stops, and wait outdoors. There are people that use public transit that do not meet the requirements of para-transit service. Also people understand there are requirements under ADA, and Federal law. However local transit agencies can require that if help is needed they should be providing a helping hand to the customers. As a driver and trainer I was always told you as the driver should ask the passenger if they need help or how can I help you. The passenger should not have to ask. So for saying public transit is just for people that can walk and stand outside is very wrong.
o Important policy reason to make public transportation accessible to as many older persons as possible:If public transportation for general population is accessible to as many older adults as possible, seats on special transportation (which will always be expensive to provide and limited in number) go to those older persons who absolutely need specialized transportation, those who would be isolated or unable to live independently in the community without it.
o Dangerous intersections, lack of safe pathways to bus stops, and sidewalk benches are serious barriers to accessibility. The lack of safe and accessible public restrooms is another serious obstacle. Many older persons report they would use the bus if they could get to it. They need bus stops that are within a few blocks, a safe way to walk to reach the stop, and benches along the way on which they can rest. Local government agencies other than the transit agency are usually responsible for providing these features.
Does anyone know of communities in which transportation advocates are joining with Complete Streets, livable communities, disability rights groups, pedestrian initiatives, or other advocacy and community groups to persuade local officials and agencies to provide these features?
AARP Bulletin has article, New Ways for an Aging Population to Get Around, Innovative Transportation Ideas Take Root in Cities and Towns, by Sally Abrahms
Article features several innovative systems including Delmarva Community Transit and quotes DCT's Director Santo Grande, who is also NCST Steering Committee member.
Here is URL: http://www.aarp.org/home-garden/transportation/info-12-2011/ways-for-aging-population-to-get-around.html
The URL goes directly to an insurance quote form with no mention of the article.
AARP's article is wrapped behind a full page ad, but you can get to the article by clicking "close ad" in the upper right corner of the browser window.
For pSanders:
I agree, and I understand your suggestion, especially in certain cases when the need is obvious. I have seen cases where some seniors can get perturbed if an operator asks them if they need assistance, so unless it is quite obvious they do, then it might be better to wait for the rider to ask. The phase "When necessary" is implies making a jugement that the operator might be unsure about. It is my experience that People who generally need assistance when they ride the fixed route, or the paratransit system regularly, have no problem asking for assistance if they need it, and it is not automatically offered.