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 ContinuedAn April 2004 study, Aging Americans:

Stranded Without Options states:

• 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

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:

• “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

• 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

• Funding• Planning/Zoning/Design• Research• Regional and interagency coordination• Customer service and information/communications• Advances in technology

Identifying Solutions

Public Transportation Works

• From Miami to Las Vegas to Ohio, investments in training and increased fixed routes are proving to be very successful.

• 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

• 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.

• 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)

• 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• 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

• Support/Enforce New Federal Policies• “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

• 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.