Transportation remains one of the most pressing unmet needs among older adults and individuals with disabilities. Access to transportation is more than just a convenience, it’s a vital link to healthcare, food, employment and social engagement, all of which are essential components of community well-being. Recognizing this, Centralina Area Agency on Aging (AAA) has released an updated version of its Transportation Guide, offering local governments a powerful tool to support residents, improve planning and advance health.
As communities across the region experience population growth, particularly among older residents, the demand for reliable, accessible transportation continues to rise. The Transportation Guide 2.0 is a timely and strategic resource that enables municipalities and counties to better meet this growing need.
Why Local Governments Should Take Note
This guide is more than a directory; it’s a community asset that aligns with key local government goals:
Supports Public Health and Safety: By addressing transportation as a social determinant of health, the guide helps local leaders connect residents with essential services and preventive care, reducing isolation and improving health outcomes.
Promotes Age-Friendly Communities: As part of preparing for an aging population, local governments can use the guide to inform age-friendly initiatives and support older adults in maintaining independence and mobility.
Improves Transportation Planning: With information on ridesharing options, accessibility features (like wheelchair support) and scheduling through platforms like GoGoGrandparent and Lively, the guide helps planners and service providers understand the landscape of available resources and unmet needs.
Assists Caregiver and Community Engagement: Municipal service providers, senior centers and nonprofit partners can leverage the guide to educate families, caregivers and volunteers on safe and flexible transportation alternatives.
Encourages Proactive Mobility Planning: A featured component of the guide is a driver planning agreement. This tool encourages older adults and their families to prepare for a future without driving. This proactive approach promotes safety, reduces the risk of accidents and ensures undisrupted access to the community.
A Tool for Collaboration and Awareness
“The average person spends over a decade retired from driving,” says Katie Kutcher, Assistant Aging Program Director at Centralina AAA. “It’s essential that we all, especially our local leaders, understand and promote the transportation resources available to support our communities.”
We encourage local governments to incorporate the Transportation Guide into their community outreach, public health efforts and mobility plans. Sharing this guide can help build awareness, promote quality of life and ensure that all residents, regardless of age or ability, can stay connected.
