Access to transportation can be a significant obstacle for a senior wanting to connect with friends and family, participate in social programs or even get out in the community for ordinary activities like shopping. Many older adults give up their drivers licence or can no longer support the cost of operating a vehicle, while others have never driven. Poor mobility and balance, declining cognitive ability, cost, distances to bus/train stops and language difficulties are a few of the common barriers to accessing public transportation options.
Example of Initiatives:
Seniors on the Move
Allies in Aging has initiated a multi-sector collaboration to: (a) share and enhance existing services and best practices; (b) design innovative new services and partnerships; (c) help seniors plan for age-related changes to their transportation needs and connect them to appropriate options; and (d) advocate for improved transportation services.
Read More: Seniors on the Move
Driving Cessation
Nanaimo Seniors Connect Transportation Action Group has created a brochure for drivers who are considering or have retired their drivers’ licence. A self assessment and other information to creating a plan for transitioning from driving to alternate transportation options is provided.
Brochure: Driving Cessation
Volunteer Driver Program Took Kit
This Volunteer Driver Program Tool Kit was developed by Dandelionz Leadership Strategies for the Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council to strengthen the capacity of senior-serving organizations in Edmonton to provide assisted transportation. It comes in two parts:
1. Volunteer Driver Program Tool Kit: a 22 section guide to help in the planning, development and audit of volunteer driver programs. While the checklists, samples and forms are not exhaustive, and may need customization for individual programs, they will help act as a reminder of the components required to manage the volunteer base.
2. Assisted Transportation Volunteer Driver Program, Volunteer Management Resources: This supplementary 11 section binder of resources is to support staff managing a Volunteer Driver Program, connecting them to best practices and professional development in volunteer management. Resource #1, for example, includes national, provincial and local volunteer centers, professional support organizations and current
standards of practice.
Read More: Program Toolkit
Learn How to Ride the Bus Program
The How to Ride the Bus program was started in partnership with the Regional District of Nanaimo. This program is widely embraced by seniors in the community many of whom had never ridden a bus, or it had been a very long time and they weren’t comfortable. The group session works well, typically up to 15 participants attend each session. Seniors learn to read the schedule and maps, learn how to take mobility aids such as walkers, scooters, wheelchairs on board, how to put a bike on the bus, purchase tickets and more.
For more information about this program contact:
Tammy Paton
Executive Director, Nanaimo Lifeline Program
Email: Tamara.Paton@viha.ca
Phone: (250) 739-5768