Title

Transportation innovations for seniors: a synopsis of findings in rural America

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

2006

Subject Area

Location - Rural, Location - USA, Mobility - Independence, Population - Seniors, Transport policy - Disadvantage, Transport policy - Transport disadvantage

Abstract

This article examines how transportation in rural areas is developing in new ways to better serve older Americans. It is based on a 2004 survey conducted by the Community Transportation Association of American and the Beverly Foundation, coupled with five on-site case studies that are exemplary in their use of innovations. Results from the report, titled Transportation Innovations for Seniors in Rural America, indicate that innovative rural transit is part of an overall public transit service; that transportation services frequently are not available to older rural residents; and that isolation and distance make for special challenges. On-site case studies were carried out at Prairie Hills Transit (South Dakota), York County Community Action Corporation (Maine), OATS (Missouri), Sedgwick County Department on Aging (Kansas) and CARTS (Texas). A chart listing 18 key elements is included.