Older Road Users

Identify current and recommended strategies for improving older person mobility in urban and rural areas.

1. Identify current transit/transportation options for the older population: transit (urban and rural transit), taxi and network companies, volunteer networks, councils of governments/MPOs (inventory and data), social services, and nonprofits serving older adults.
2. Research barriers to use of transportation services by older users: cost, fear of trying something new and unfamiliar, limited availability in rural areas, physical limitations, scheduling conflicts, agency coordination and/or competition, state/federal laws (pertaining to funding), and geographic challenges.
3. Survey current volunteer programs; find out what does and does not work; and identify steps to implementing such programs and promoting them to the public.
4. Develop and offer training on volunteer driving programs to senior centers, churches, medical facilities, AAA chapters, and MPOs.
5. Contact the Florida and California departments of transportation to identify volunteer driving programs and traditional services already in place (e.g., Drive a Senior).
6. Provide information to older road users on mobility options and overcoming barriers to use, and identify the entity and mechanism to update and keep the information current.

MPOs, medical facilities, churches, TxDOT, social service agencies, and AAA

• Cost and state or federal laws relating to funding.
• Fear of trying something new.
• Limited availability in rural areas and other geographic challenges.
• Physical limitations.
• Scheduling conflicts.
• Agency coordination or competition.