By Shannin Prather
July 2019 | 2019 Summer Newsletter
Transportation is a fundamental means of accessing resources to meet our daily needs. Driving is often the preferred mode of travel for many. However, having decreased strength, vision, slow reaction times, and short-term memory issues may make it unsafe to drive. This may result in needing to give up driving earlier in life than some may wish. Older adults who can still drive might find that they feel nervous driving after dark, and may look for other transportation options due to fixed incomes that cannot absorb high gas prices. For these individuals, accessing public transportation is crucial for aging well in place.
Without access or confidence in using public transportation, older adults often turn to loved ones, caregivers, or friends and neighbors for rides. Some may feel guilty asking someone for a ride for “nonessential” trips, which may lead them to stay at home and become socially isolated, or to continue to drive, putting themselves and others at risk.
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) operates bus, light rail train, and paratransit services throughout Santa Clara County. The VTA has created many services and programs to assist seniors and individuals with disabilities with their transportation needs.
The VTA’s “Daycation” program provides travel training to small groups so they become comfortable using public transportation. The program features a free round trip to the destination of the group’s choice within VTA’s service area, training on how to use VTA services and an escorted trip on a bus or light rail train.
Safety concerns, such as fear of falling, being rushed to enter and exit a bus or light rail train, uneasiness about not knowing the routes, or missing the desired stop are common reasons older adults and individuals with disabilities may not feel confident in using public transportation. VTA addresses these safety concerns in several ways:
- All VTA buses have lifts or ramps to make boarding easier. The bus operator will make these available if you let them know you need it. In addition, many VTA buses can lower, or “kneel”, to make boarding easier.
- All light rail platforms are level with the deck of the train, making it easier to move from the platform to the train, and vice versa.
- After evening peak hours, VTA bus operators can make a stop closer to the rider’s final destination rather than the regular bus stop. This service is available upon request for exiting only and only when the operator feels it is safe to pull over.
- Bus and light rail trains have internal and external announcements for destination and stops, as well as visual display boards projecting this information.
- Customized trip planning with a VTA representative can help individuals plan the exact route to their destination.
VTA has senior fares to help make riding public transit more affordable—a single ride costs $1.00—which can be paid in either cash or with a Senior Clipper card.
To learn more about VTA, visit vta.org or speak with an Information Services Representative by calling (408) 321-2300.
Transportation is a fundamental means of accessing resources to meet our daily needs. Driving is often the preferred mode of travel for many. However, having decreased strength, vision, slow reaction times, and short-term memory issues may make it unsafe to drive. This may result in needing to give up driving earlier in life than some may wish. Older adults who can still drive might find that they feel nervous driving after dark, and may look for other transportation options due to fixed incomes that cannot absorb high gas prices. For these individuals, accessing public transportation is crucial for aging well in place.
Without access or confidence in using public transportation, older adults often turn to loved ones, caregivers, or friends and neighbors for rides. Some may feel guilty asking someone for a ride for “nonessential” trips, which may lead them to stay at home and become socially isolated, or to continue to drive, putting themselves and others at risk.
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) operates bus, light rail train, and paratransit services throughout Santa Clara County. The VTA has created many services and programs to assist seniors and individuals with disabilities with their transportation needs.
The VTA’s “Daycation” program provides travel training to small groups so they become comfortable using public transportation. The program features a free round trip to the destination of the group’s choice within VTA’s service area, training on how to use VTA services and an escorted trip on a bus or light rail train.
Safety concerns, such as fear of falling, being rushed to enter and exit a bus or light rail train, uneasiness about not knowing the routes, or missing the desired stop are common reasons older adults and individuals with disabilities may not feel confident in using public transportation. VTA addresses these safety concerns in several ways:
- All VTA buses have lifts or ramps to make boarding easier. The bus operator will make these available if you let them know you need it. In addition, many VTA buses can lower, or “kneel”, to make boarding easier.
- All light rail platforms are level with the deck of the train, making it easier to move from the platform to the train, and vice versa.
- After evening peak hours, VTA bus operators can make a stop closer to the rider’s final destination rather than the regular bus stop. This service is available upon request for exiting only and only when the operator feels it is safe to pull over.
- Bus and light rail trains have internal and external announcements for destination and stops, as well as visual display boards projecting this information.
- Customized trip planning with a VTA representative can help individuals plan the exact route to their destination.
VTA has senior fares to help make riding public transit more affordable—a single ride costs $1.00—which can be paid in either cash or with a Senior Clipper card.
To learn more about VTA, visit vta.org or speak with an Information Services Representative by calling (408) 321-2300.