Passenger Bus, Rail and Motorcoach Industry News

Said seniors are not aware of transit services or find them hard to navigate. Called for improvements ranging from more fixed route and shuttle bus, van and "catch-a-ride" programs, to more frequent service for seniors living on hillsides far from bus stops.

Rides for Ridgefield, a new town transportation alliance, will begin service on May 1. The program will provide area seniors and those with mobility disabilities with a single source for ride information and transportation counseling.

Shasta Senior Nutrition Programs debuted its new “44 Express” route. The idea for the service came from town residents, who said better transportation is needed for their area since the Redding Area Bus Authority doesn’t make trips there.

The van and two new buses come equipped with wheelchair lifts to accommodate disabled passengers and additional seating. The buses have 6.8 liter gasoline engines for better mileage. Each features a seat that converts and accommodates a baby car seat.

Those who qualify for lower transit fares or are in the free-rides program won't be able to open a prepaid debit account when the agency's versions of the new Ventra fare card are available. The restriction was set to protect seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income residents from potential problems.

The County of Lackawanna Transit System agency provided 399,383 free rides to senior citizens in 2012 — 188,722 fewer than the preceding year, despite a statewide increase in the elderly population.

They are concerned that Cambria County Agency on Aging’s decision to eliminate van service for older adults and let CamTran, Cambria County's public transportation authority, take over the transportation, will eliminate services such as helping them with groceries or to the vehicle.

The Muskegon City Commission voted to end its senior transit program on Dec. 31 due to a reduction in funds. The city had already extended the program by six months.

Cost of Calgary monthly passes will change from $55 to $95 per year. The city council also expanded the number of people who can qualify for low-income transit passes.

Agency staff members visit senior citizen centers around Los Angeles County to teach older adults about the benefits of public transit and familiarize them with local transportation options, whether it be Metro, Foothill Transit, local Dial-A-Ride or one of the other municipal operators.