Advancing Communities of Practice: A Collaborative Project between Local Universities, Funding Agencies and Nonprofits to Develop a Senior Subsidized Transportation Plan

Abstract

The growing population of seniors in the United States poses both interesting and challenging transportation policy issues that demand research on alternatives to current transportation systems. The study was motivated by a local foundation’s interest in senior quality of life issues in the communities served. The aim of this study was to assess senior transportation needs and systems as a means to move policy makers and funders closer to providing high-quality senior transportation services. The localized nature of senior transportation needs is best examined as case study. In this article, one mid-sized Indiana community is examined using focus group interviews and individual surveys of senior citizens. In addition, a survey of the literature on senior transportation models provided critical information relevant to formulating best-practice recommendations for community-level senior transportation systems. In order to design effective senior transportation systems it is important to evaluate five critical factors. Finally, The case study presented highlights the importance of multi-sector collaboration in addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with critical senior transportation issues in upcoming decades.