Easter Seals Inc. and the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) were selected once again by the Federal Transit Administration to administer the National Center on Senior Transportation (NCST).

Through technical assistance, research, strategic communications, partnerships, and the development of resources, NCST will continue its work, begun in 2006, to increase transportation options for older adults and enhance their ability to live more independently within their communities throughout the U.S.

NCST brings together providers of aging, transportation and human services programs to create coordinated transportation systems responsive to community and individual needs. Recognizing that one size does not fit all, the organization embraces the concept of the “family of transportation services” including public transit, paratransit, taxis, voucher programs, volunteer driver programs, assisted transportation services, travel training, and mobility management.

NCST also provides grant funding and technical assistance to local communities across the U.S. to support their efforts to better serve the mobility needs of older adults, including the nine current Person-Centered Mobility Management projects.

“Local partnerships are the key to creating transportation services responsive to everyone’s needs,” said NCST co-director Virginia Dize at n4a. “NCST is committed to supporting such efforts, which we view as a ‘win-win’ for transportation providers, the Aging Network and, most importantly, for older adults and people with disabilities.”

“Transportation is integral for older adults to be able to age in place and remain in their communities,” said Karen Wolf-Branigin, NCST co-director at Easter Seals Inc. “Since its inception, NCST has helped communities become more livable and increase their transportation options for older adults and all residents.”

Through NCST, both Easter Seals and n4a look forward to helping local communities continue to find ways to improve transportation options for all.

NCST, administered by Easter Seals Inc. in partnership with n4a, originally opened its doors in 2006. Staff is located in the Washington, D.C. offices of Easter Seals and n4a.