Public transit use has been greatly reduced in the past five months, especially amongst older adults vulnerable to COVID-19. Until there is greater evidence of the safety of public transit use, many seniors may continue to avoid using our bus and train networks for their daily transportation needs.
While some older people may be walking, cycling or getting rides from others inside their social bubble, many are driving their privately-owned cars more frequently, which compounds the trends towards increased dependency on cars that can accompany the aging process.
Mobility for senior citizens is important - for shopping, medical appointments, social occasions and continued participation in community life. In the short-term, having older adults drive themselves to avoid COVID risk makes sense. In the longer-term, the liveability and vibrancy of our communities depends on a public transit system to reduce traffic congestion and provide a healthy alternative to driving.
Economic recovery is, in part, linked to the recovery of the public transit system. Older adults that rely on shared transportation may have better long-term health outcomes if they can avoid social isolation and loneliness that may occur after they no longer hold a driving license.
To rebuild public confidence in the safety of public transit systems, TransLink has introduced a number of initiatives aimed at reducing health risks. High-touch surfaces like seats, poles, handles, and windowsills are regularly sprayed with disinfectant. Many transit riders follow the signs and announcements which encourage the use of face coverings. Mandatory mask rules have not been necessary to get riders to wear masks at this time. Riders are also being encouraged to help maintain physical distancing by planning trips during off-peak times, when transit vehicles are less busy. Hand sanitizer is also available in many transit stations.
In addition to increasing awareness and encouraging use of public transit, BEST is helping provide transportation to seniors so they can attend to medical appointments and many other activities of daily living without having to rely on a single occupancy vehicle. Since early in the pandemic, we have arranged volunteers and paid drivers to deliver groceries, meal kits, prescriptions and laundry services for seniors.
Our Living Streets program, featured above, is also doing outreach to senior-serving organizations to encourage older adults to walk more – for transportation, leisure and recreation and physical/mental health.
If you’d like to get involved with our seniors transportation programs, please get in touch with us.
