Title

Community bus transportation: an emerging transit mode

Document Type

Conference Paper

Publication Date

2007

Subject Area

Infrastructure - Low Floor, Location - USA, Mobility - Disabled, Mobility - Mobility aid, Mobility - Wheelchair, Modes of Transport - Community Transport - Community bus, Population - Ageing in place, Population - Seniors

Abstract

Community Bus is a new and emerging mode in the public transport family of services in many areas in North America. The Community bus mode uses smaller vehicles than traditional main line service and the vehicles are usually less than 20 seats. These vehicles operate in suburban and semi-urban areas and provide links to mainline or trunk-line transit service. Community bus may be fixed route, demand responsive, service routes or combination of route options, but in general, it is very flexible. For many seniors, community bus is a life line to independence. The purpose of this paper is to document an emerging issue for community transport, namely the need for new vehicle specifications and new vehicles that meet those specifications to improve access for older travelers and those with disabilities.