Transportation » Personal Mobility
Why It's Important
Some communities do not have transit options suitable for individuals with varying
levels of personal mobility. As Boomers grow older, and perhaps lose the ability
to drive, they may need other options that support personal mobility.
See Data By: Richmond MSA | Virginia
| National
How Richmond Is Doing
NuRide -- offered in many areas across the nation -- designed for commuters, but
does have offerings for seniors who are interested in one-time rides to grocery
stores or to medical appoints. Other community groups, such as Ride Connection based
in Portland, Oregon and OATS (Older Adult Transportation Service) based in Columbia,
Missouri are also endeavoring to fill the gap.
(BUSINESS WEEK, 2008)
Richmond does not currently offer NuRide, but does have RideFinders to help people
find connections. Currently this program geared to commuters, however.
How Virginia Is Doing
An ongoing issue is whether/when to test older drivers to ensure their ability to
continue driving. Many states reject outright mandatory testing because of the expense
and the vast amount of older drivers who do not have difficulty driving. California
is working a program (as of March 2008) where anyone can file a report, which would
lead to testing of an individual. That individual could then lose his/her license
based on the testing. The impetus for this is a 2003 case involving an elderly driver
and the death of ten pedestrians in a Santa Monica Farmers Market. In Florida, drivers
are required to renew licenses in person every other period thus allowing DMV personnel
to make discreet assessments of drivers when they come in. The DMV in Virginia is
starting a program where they will no longer issue licenses in person, but only
through the mail. Fifteen other states do this as well.
According to a 2007 AARP Virginia Member Survey:
-
Nearly all (95%) members say they or a member of their household has driven a car
or motor vehicle in the past month.
-
More than nine out of ten (92%) members indicate they drive when they need and want
to go someplace. For members who are 75 and older (drive, 76% and ride share 61%)
or who have poor health and disability status (HDS) (drive, 75% and ride
share 49%), the number who say they primarily drive drops and the percentage of
those who say they ride share increases.
-
Only two percent of members say that they do not go on outings during a typical
week. However, seven percent of those ages 75 and older and six percent of those
with poor HDS do not get out during a typical week.
How the U.S. Is Doing
Content coming.
Data & Information Sources
AARP, Virginia Member Survey 2007: Transportation Needs Assessment, January
2008
http://assets.aarp.org/rgcenter/general/va_member_07_transport_needs.pdf
Business Week: The Coming Boom in Boomer-Friendly Transport
www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/may2008/bw2008059_070594.htm
