Provincial Working Group on Seniors Transportation

Terms of Reference

PURPOSE

To identify, research and propose solutions for seniors’ most pressing transportation issues in BC.

OBJECTIVES

  • To promote the reframing of seniors’ transportation issues in terms of the social determinants of health (SDOH) emphasizing the benefits of this approach.

  • To identify stakeholders beyond those who traditionally address seniors’ transportation issues, particularly in the SDOH, and encourage them to engage in and support the work of this Group

  • To gather and share information about promising projects that address seniors’ transportation issues, focusing on those using new technologies, shared mobility and other innovative approaches

  • To develop support amongst government and other decision-makers for community-based seniors’ transportation solutions that are based on the SDOH

  • To develop communication and educational materials on age-related changes in personal mobility and the SDOH for purposes of ‘making the case’ for the need for these solutions

  • To make recommendations to the CBSS Leadership Council to address seniors’ most pressing transportation issues.

AREAS OF FOCUS

PROBLEM AREAS

  • Transportation to medical appointments – When older adults’ access to health care is frustrated by a lack of transportation – and this is frequently the case across BC today – important appointments, treatments and even surgeries are missed, health care expenditures increase, and overall health outcomes decline. As COVID-19 has demonstrated, seniors cannot rely on volunteer-driver programs. How can this critically important transportation service be provided to seniors in this province?

  • Public transportation – While TransLink and BC Transit offer a range of services for older adults and people with disabilities, the seniors and pwd communities regularly report that these services fail to meet their needs. Where are the service gaps? What can be done better? What opportunities exist given the new technologies, shared mobility, and so on? 

  • Paratransit – People with cognitive and/or physical disabilities often need assistance transferring in and out of a vehicle, getting to the curbside, or with the activity that’s the purpose of their trip (shopping, e.g.). How can mobility services be designed to be inclusive of people with higher needs, many of whom are seniors?

  • Driving cessation – After driving a privately-owned vehicle all their adult lives, many seniors suffer from a loss of independence and social isolation when they are no longer medically fit to hold a driving license. At this time of transition, seniors commonly experience declines in mental and physical health. What alternative ways of getting around can we imagine and provide for seniors and others who can’t use the public transportation services we have today?

  • Lack of pedestrian safety and sedentary lifestyles – British Columbians tend to become increasingly sedentary as they get older due, in part, to the car dominated and pedestrian hostile environments they live in. The inactivity takes a significant toll on their health and well-being. Are programs that focus on ‘pedestrian literacy’ something funders might consider? Seniors’ walking clubs? How can we encourage seniors to get out and about again?

AREAS OF OPPORTUNITY 

  • Transportation as a social determinant of health – Define and describe as an opportunity; need for analyses that identify the cost savings to the health system which in turn provide the rationale for increased transportation budgets.

  • Demand-responsive transit – An area of innovation in mass public transportation circles where large, scheduled buses (for example) are running empty these days. How can these innovations be adapted for seniors?

  • Shared mobility – Shared mobility services provide users with short-term access to a vehicle such as a car, van, shuttle, bicycle, or other travel mode. Are there opportunities for shared mobility to offer senior services? If yes, what support (e.g. incentives, policies, pilot programs) do they need to provide equitable and affordable service?

  • Active transportation – Walking, wheeling and cycling are encouraged as effective ways to maintain physical fitness and mental well-being. For those that are able, active transportation is also a practical way to get around for short-distance trips.

MEMBERSHIP

Membership will be geographically diverse with representation from the regions of the province. 

Membership will be representative of the Working Group priorities, including people working in the community-based senior services sector, transportation professionals, people working in the health sector and people working in municipal and regional governments. 

With large and diverse membership, it is practical to create a smaller “steering committee” that meets more frequently, makes decisions, and shares information with the larger group.

SCOPE

  • This group is focused on older adults. Other groups that have disadvantages in accessing transportation (low-income people, young people with disabilities) will not be central to the work of this group

  • This group will not pilot or test delivery of mobility services where “wheels are turning” to move seniors. The group may consult/cooperate with other projects that are offering/delivering these services

MEETINGS

The general membership of the committee will meet at least four times a year. Meetings are to be held on the fourth Wednesday of January, April, July, and October. The steering committee will meet monthly, on the fourth Wednesday of December, February, March, May, June.

REPORTING

Minutes will be recorded for all meetings and will be available to members including on CORE.

RESOURCES

Budget – to be determined

This Terms of Reference was approved by the Steering Committee on February 24, 2021 and will be reviewed after 12 months