Public Transportation Expansion
The second most preferred transportation option was public transportation. However, the second largest barrier to community transportation needs was service gaps. According to the Greater Richmond Transit Vision Plan (2017), in an analysis of over 350 transit providers the Richmond region ranked 92nd in transportation access. The current Greater Richmond Transit Company only serves the City of Richmond, Henrico County and a small portion of Chesterfield County. The localities that are being serviced, however, still have segmented services.
“I believe that if I could no longer drive I would have to move.”
In order to properly expand public transportation services the appropriate infrastructures should be in place. This includes sidewalks, shelters, seating and lighting. The inclusion of such infrastructures will benefit all individuals by providing safe travel to public transportation. Transportation services should be accessible, acceptable, affordable and adaptable (Dickerson et al., 2017).
Social outings were identified by the Transportation Preferences Survey as the second most anticipated destination to which an older adult may need transportation in the next 1-3 years. With volunteer driver programs and subsidized transportation typically providing services during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm) or having stipulations limiting transportation to medical appointments or to care for personal business, this is a particularly underserved transportation need, as many social events are being held at night or on the weekend. The below quote below came from the Transportation Preference Survey and encompasses the common issue.
“It’s sad to accept that I can’t enjoy any lectures or cultural events in the city or Chesterfield because I cannot drive after dark.”
Residents should not have to accept not enjoying their favorite social event, especially within their own community. 101 of the 177 respondents stated they preferred not to drive at night. Therefore safe, reliable, affordable services are greatly needed after dark.
Age Wave also supports the following GRTC initiatives:
“I believe that if I could no longer drive I would have to move.”
In order to properly expand public transportation services the appropriate infrastructures should be in place. This includes sidewalks, shelters, seating and lighting. The inclusion of such infrastructures will benefit all individuals by providing safe travel to public transportation. Transportation services should be accessible, acceptable, affordable and adaptable (Dickerson et al., 2017).
Social outings were identified by the Transportation Preferences Survey as the second most anticipated destination to which an older adult may need transportation in the next 1-3 years. With volunteer driver programs and subsidized transportation typically providing services during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm) or having stipulations limiting transportation to medical appointments or to care for personal business, this is a particularly underserved transportation need, as many social events are being held at night or on the weekend. The below quote below came from the Transportation Preference Survey and encompasses the common issue.
“It’s sad to accept that I can’t enjoy any lectures or cultural events in the city or Chesterfield because I cannot drive after dark.”
Residents should not have to accept not enjoying their favorite social event, especially within their own community. 101 of the 177 respondents stated they preferred not to drive at night. Therefore safe, reliable, affordable services are greatly needed after dark.
Age Wave also supports the following GRTC initiatives:
- Education about and support for Care on Demand
- Support for Henrico County Transit Development Plan
- Increasing the number of bus stops that are ADA compliant
- Support for in-the-works demand response free ride in downtown Richmond
