Transit industry to help keep seniors mobile

The public transportation industry is launching an initiative to explore new ways to help seniors stay mobile and independent. The initiative, called "Easy Rider: Advancing Mobility Needs for Aging Americans," was announced early this month by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). The initiative is a collection of successful activities, sample materials and case studies contributed by transit systems that have taken steps to make public transportation more attractive for seniors. More than 6,000 transit systems nationwide currently provide some form of service for older riders. These activities range from reduced fares and expanded use of low-floor vehicles to personalized travel training sessions and policies that allow drivers to deviate from bus routes to get as close as possible to requested stops. Over the coming months, under APTA's leadership, the Easy Rider program will continue to collect and share information about exemplary transportation activities aimed at helping older Americans maintain their mobility.