Supplemental Transportation Programs for Seniors:Supplemental Transportation Programs for Seniors:A Report on STPs in AmericaA Report on STPs in America

Published July 2004Published July 2004

In Partnership withIn Partnership with

the Beverly Foundationthe Beverly Foundation

Report and STP listingReport and STP listingavailable online at:available online at:

www.seniordrivers.org

www.aaafoundation.org

What are STPs?What are STPs?

Supplemental transportation programs for seniors (STPs) are community-based transportation programs that complement or supplement existing transportation services, enabling seniors to remain active and healthy.

BackgroundBackground

Supplemental Transportation Programs for seniors (STPs) are: Set up by grassroots, community, or regional

organizations to provide seniors with alternative forms of transportation.

Organized to meet the needs of seniors through trip chaining, transportation escorts, door-through-door service, and other means of personal support.

MethodsMethods

Surveyed STPs in the U.S. and sent follow-up surveys to 2001 STPs report participants

Updated www.seniordrivers.org, a web-based clearinghouse with information on STPs and information for seniors, children of seniors, and transportation providers

Developed a low-cost/low-maintenance “volunteer friends” model for a STPs including information on riders, drivers, vehicles and infrastructure

www.seniordrivers.org

List of STPs in all 50 states

Tips for seniors, children of seniors, and transportation providers

Free materials

Free Materials

PasRidePasRide: : A Senior-Friendly Pilot ProjectA Senior-Friendly Pilot Project

In August 2003, an 18-month STPs pilot project in Pasadena, California, called PasRide (Pasadena Area Seniors Ride) was completed and successfully relocated to a permanent administrative setting.

PasRidePasRide Development Development

The senior-friendly, consumer-driven, “volunteer friends” approach to transportation, was created based on these assumptions: Many seniors need rides. If seniors who need rides have something to offer friends and

neighbors in return, they will feel more comfortable asking for rides.

If friends and neighbors can be reimbursed for their travel expenses, they will be more likely to provide rides.

PasRidePasRide Approach Approach

If friends and neighbors can use their own cars, there will be no need to purchase vehicles.

If rider and driver can work out the schedule for rides, there will be no need for staffing and infrastructure.

PasRide PasRide Key ElementsKey Elements

The key elements of PasRide are: Sponsor Partners Riders Volunteer DriversDocumentationReimbursement

PasRidePasRide Outcome Outcome Provided rides to seniors who can no longer drive and have

health, mobility, or financial limitations that preclude use of traditional transportation options.

Provided tangible evidence that a program of this type can be undertaken in an economical and efficient manner with very little additional funding, designed such that there would be no need to purchase vehicles, hire paid drivers, or schedule rides.

ResultsResults Demonstrated a low-cost/low-maintenance

“volunteer friends” model through a pilot project in Pasadena, California (PasRide)

Disseminated information on PasRide in a “Volunteer Friends Starter Kit” so that other localities, where applicable, can adapt it to start similar programs

Established a STAR (Senior Transportation Action Response) Award to nationally recognize exemplary STPs

Overall ConclusionsOverall Conclusions

STPs meet the needs of seniors for mobility and will help them remain active, healthy, and happy.

STPs can complement existing transportation systems in any community.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is a 501(c)(3) public charity located in Washington, DC that is dedicated to saving lives and reducing injuries.

It is supported by donations from AAA/CAA Clubs, AAA/CAA members, and other organizations associated with AAA/CAA.