The challenges of transportation for older adults
As we reach our sixties and beyond, many individuals experience health and mobility issues that affect their ability to drive. They want to remain independent, active and engaged in the community and not sit at home all the time. At a certain point they become dependent on others for transportation to appointments, grocery shopping, church, wellness activities and social events.
For older adults with mobility or chronic health issues the current public transit system is not a feasible option because even walking a few blocks, especially in uncomfortable weather, is more than they can reasonably handle. They need door-to-door transportation in order to get to places. Providing older adults with opportunities to help them age healthy is vital to the well-being of our community.
To better address the existing gap in transportation, NewBridge has begun operating a 14-passenger bus, with a lift, to transport older adults to our activities. In 2025 we will add a second bus. Both buses were purchased through a city grant and donations from local foundations. Dane County has provided us with annual funding for transportation, but it is not nearly enough.
Next year we expect to provide 12,000 rides for hundreds of lower income and homebound individuals. In comparison, this year NewBridge will provide less than half that number because the transportation modes available are quite costly.
We face two major challenges for 2025. One is finding more individuals to become RSVP volunteers and provide older adults rides to medical appointments. The other is securing individual donations, corporate sponsorships and foundation grants to cover operational expenses (gas, driver wages, insurance) for our two NewBridge buses. City and county budgets are strapped next year so any financial support individuals can provide us is greatly appreciated.
