Federal Agencies Address Mobility Issues Mainly through 15 Programs That Help Make Transportation Available, Accessible, and Affordable

Five federal departments administer 15 programs that are key in addressing  mobility issues of transportation-disadvantaged seniors. Some of these programs specifically target seniors, such as HHS’s  Grants for Supportive Services and Senior Centers (Title III-B). 2). Local entities can use funds from a variety  of federal programs to provide transportation services to seniors. Finally, the U.S. However, these agencies do not provide  guidance for assessing need for most of these programs. Other service providers we interviewed told us that the federal programs  did not provide assistance (other than funding) or guidance on  implementing practices to enhance transportation-disadvantaged seniors’  mobility, so they had to look to other state and regional transit agencies or  other local transportation service providers to provide guidance or  technical assistance. Some of the local providers said that federal guidance on how to apply for  funding and comply with reporting procedures is limited. Experts and Stakeholders Suggested Strategies for Overcoming Mobility Obstacles

Through a review of the literature and interviews with experts on senior  transportation and aging, representatives of pertinent professional  associations and advocacy groups, local officials, and transportation  service providers, we identified several obstacles to addressing  transportation-disadvantaged seniors’ mobility needs and potential  strategies that the federal government and other government levels, as  appropriate, can consider taking to better address those needs and  enhance the cost-effectiveness of the services delivered. As a result, it is not possible to  determine whether current programs are reducing unmet needs and  improving transportation-disadvantaged seniors’ mobility and access to  services. Recommendations for Executive Action

To help enhance transportation-disadvantaged seniors’ mobility by  improving available information and guidance, we recommend that the  Secretary of Health and Human Services direct the Administrator,  Administration on Aging, to take the following four actions:  To improve the value and consistency of information obtained from area  agencies on aging on the extent to which transportation-disadvantaged  seniors’ mobility needs are being met, the Administrator should develop  guidance for assessing such needs by doing the following:  Expand the scope of work in the administration’s planned evaluation  of the Grants for Supportive Services and Senior Centers (Title III-B)  program to include gathering and analyzing information on (1)  definitions and measures of need; (2) the range of methodologies that  area agencies on aging use for assessing seniors’ need for services,  including transportation, and unmet needs; (3) leading practices  identified in the needs assessments methodologies used by area  agencies on aging; and (4) the kinds of guidance that area agencies  on aging want from the administration and the states to help them  perform their required needs assessments. Additional GAO contacts and staff  acknowledgments are listed in appendix V.

Scope and Methodology

The scope of this report is limited to a review of the mobility needs of  transportation-disadvantaged seniors, who we define as those who cannot  drive or have limited their driving and who have an income constraint,  disability, or medical condition that limits their ability to travel.
Why GAO Did This Study

The U.S. population is aging, and access to transportation, via automobile or other modes, is critical to helping individuals remain independent as they age. Various federal programs provide funding for transportation services for "transportation-disadvantaged" seniors--those who cannot drive or have limited their driving and who have an income constraint, disability, or medical condition that limits their ability to travel. For those transportation-disadvantaged seniors, GAO was asked to identify (1) federal programs that address their mobility issues, (2) the extent to which these programs meet their mobility needs, (3) program practices that enhance their mobility and the cost-effectiveness of service delivery, and (4) obstacles to addressing their mobility needs and strategies for overcoming those obstacles.

What GAO Found

Five federal departments--including the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)--administer 15 programs that are key to addressing the mobility issues of transportation-disadvantaged seniors. These programs help make transportation available, affordable, and accessible to seniors, such as by providing transit passes or reimbursement for mileage. National data indicate that some types of needs are not being met, including those for trips (1) to multiple destinations or for purposes that involve carrying packages; (2) to life-enhancing activities, such as cultural events; and (3) in rural and suburban areas. However, there are limited data available to assess the extent of unmet needs. HHS's Administration on Aging is required by law to provide guidance to states on how to assess seniors' need for services, but officials said the administration has not done so because it has focused on providing other types of guidance. As a result, the local agencies on aging we interviewed--which are ultimately responsible for performing such needs assessments--used inconsistent methods to assess seniors' mobility needs. The Administration on Aging plans to conduct an evaluation of one of its major programs and thus has an opportunity to improve its understanding of seniors' needs and provide guidance to local agencies on performing needs assessments. Local transportation service providers have implemented a variety of practices--including increasing service efficiency, improving customer service, and leveraging available funds--that enhance mobility and the cost-effective delivery of services. Federal programs provide funding and some technical assistance for these practices, but several service providers we interviewed said that the implementation of such practices was impeded by limited federal guidance and information on successful practices. Senior mobility experts and stakeholders identified several obstacles to addressing transportation-disadvantaged seniors' mobility needs, potential strategies that federal and other government entities can consider taking to better meet these needs, and trade-offs associated with those strategies.