The Transportation Preferences Survey found the most preferred method of transportation for individuals unable to provide their own is family and friends. While 119 of the 177 respondents ranked this as either their top option or second most likely, the other options were close together.
Taxi services had 58 responses, public transportation with 53 responses, Uber or Lyft had 40 responses, volunteer transportation programs with 31 responses and Medicaid transportation with 25 responses. With margins that close, it is important to have a range of transportation options.
The largest identified barrier to community transportation needs was not being familiar with the range of transportation options. It is important to educate members of the community about the range of transportation options, but we must also create easy access to these options.
Senior Connections, The Capital Area Agency on Aging has taken on the role of regional transportation coordination entity serving as a single point of entry for transportation options. Vouchers for the range of transportation options will make for an accessible and person-centered transportation program.
Vouchers will guarantee a rider’s trip has been pre-paid or that the provider or driver will be paid later for giving a ride now (National Center on Senior Transportation, 2011). Voucher programs promote independence and allow individuals to choose the mode of transportation best fitting their needs.
Voucher programs operate in various ways. Typically, it is operated as a public-private partnership between the local transit agency and private services. Area Agencies on Aging can use Title III funds to provide vouchers. A mileage-based voucher system reimburses transportation companies for actual mileage (NCST, 2011). Individuals can purchase vouchers based on a sliding scale to provide the lowest cost to those in the greatest need. Transportation companies benefit from the voucher programs as well. Companies gain more riders and often have a contract with the organizations guaranteeing a certain number of trips (NCST, 2011).