Building a Transportation System that Works for Seniors in BC
Written by: Farinaz Rikhtehgaran
As British Columbia’s population ages, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: transportation is not just about getting from point A to point B—it is about health, independence, and quality of life.
Across the province, too many older adults are facing barriers that limit their ability to stay connected to their communities, attend medical appointments, and live independently. Recognizing this growing challenge, the Provincial Working Group on Seniors’ Transportation—co-chaired by BEST Mobility and United Way BC—has come together to advocate for a more inclusive, accessible, and age-friendly transportation system.
Why Transportation Matters for Seniors
Transportation is a lifeline. When it doesn’t work, the impacts are far-reaching.
Older adults may miss critical medical appointments, experience increased isolation, and face a loss of independence. These challenges don’t just affect individuals—they place additional strain on the healthcare system and communities as a whole.
A Shared Vision for Change
The Working Group envisions a coordinated transportation system in BC—one where government, healthcare, and community organizations work together to meet the needs of an aging population.
To move toward this vision, the group has identified five key focus areas that require urgent attention and action.
Five Priority Areas for Action
Access to Medical Appointments Many seniors struggle to reach essential healthcare services due to limited transportation options. This leads to missed appointments, poorer health outcomes, and increased system costs. Addressing this requires stronger coordination between health and transportation systems, sustained funding for community-based programs, and recognizing seniors as a priority in policy and planning.
Public Transportation Improvements Public transit remains out of reach for many older adults due to affordability challenges, infrequent service, and inaccessible infrastructure. Improving access means making transit more affordable, increasing service frequency and coverage, and investing in age-friendly infrastructure such as shelters, seating, and lighting.
Reliable Paratransit For seniors who rely on services like HandyDART, inconsistent service and limited coverage can create significant barriers to mobility—particularly outside Metro Vancouver. A more reliable and accessible paratransit system requires increased funding, improved service quality, and a more streamlined and user-friendly experience.
Supporting Driving Transitions As seniors transition away from driving, many face isolation and reduced independence if alternatives are not readily available. Supporting this transition involves providing education, training, and awareness of transportation options, as well as investing in research to better understand and address its impacts.
Safer Streets for Seniors Many streets in BC are not designed with older adults in mind, making them unsafe and difficult to navigate. Creating safer streets requires prioritizing age-friendly design, implementing safety measures such as lower speed limits and improved crossings, and investing in active transportation infrastructure. A key ask is the reinstatement of the BC Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants Program to support these improvements across communities.
The Benefits of Taking Action
Investing in transportation for seniors is not just the right thing to do—it benefits everyone.
It supports healthier aging, improves access to care, reduces isolation, and creates safer, more inclusive communities. It also helps lower long-term healthcare costs by enabling seniors to remain active and connected.
A Call to Action
Creating a transportation system that works for seniors requires collaboration, investment, and a commitment to equity.
The Provincial Working Group on Seniors’ Transportation continues to advocate for meaningful change, but progress depends on collective action.
Read the full policy recommendations and presentation here
Let’s work together to build a transportation system in BC that truly supports people as they age—because mobility is not a luxury, it is a necessity.
Read more about our work here.