AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Bis-Man Transit Board (2022) Print
2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Public or private transit access
└ Public or private transit access
Many residents lacked knowledge about how to use public transit, creating barriers for older adults and people with disabilities-especially after the local taxi service closed. Bis-Man Transit produced 11 short instructional videos explaining trip planning, timetables, fares and stop requests. Shared online and used in training sessions, these videos provide a lasting resource to help riders feel confident using public transit. Volunteers, including an older adult and a wheelchair user, appeared in the videos to show real-life scenarios, making the system more approachable and accessible.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Winona, MS
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: Central Mississippi Inc. tackled the lack of reliable rides that left many older adults in rural areas missing care, struggling with groceries and losing control over daily schedules. The project provided on-demand trips for people age 50-plus, easing financial strain and helping riders reach medical appointments and stores without relying on others. Three community events built social connection, and volunteers spread the word about available services. One participant receiving cancer treatment described feeling supported throughout a full-day outing. The effort spurred resident interest and encouraged officials to explore sustaining shared transportation.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Stevens Point, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: Long waits at transit stops without seating made public transportation difficult for older adults. To improve accessibility, the city installed five benches at key stops, including locations near parks and multi-family housing. It also hosted a planning workshop and integrated transit upgrades into neighborhood meetings. The benches not only offer comfort, but sparked plans for a citywide transit strategy in 2024. One bench near a disability services nonprofit was praised for helping clients meet outdoors, showing how small changes can make transit more inclusive.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
St. Louis, MO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: At many bus stops, riders must stand for long periods without seating, a challenge that discourages transit use for older adults. Citizens for Modern Transit installed benches with backs and armrests at stops that previously lacked basic amenities. The project paired seating improvements with volunteer-led story collection from riders and nearby residents. At one opening, a rider shared she had spent hundreds of hours standing at that stop, while another had relied on a milk crate to sit. The benches improved daily comfort and helped prompt additional local investment in shelters and stop upgrades.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Bismarck, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Engaging residents alongside thought leaders in problem solving
Description: For decades, Bismarck has welcomed migrants from across the world, including recent arrivals fleeing Russian invasion of Ukraine. To strengthen ties between immigrant families and the wider community, Bismarck Global Neighbors hosted a meal. The event was part of the New Immigrant Leadership Program, which seeks to identify and empower rising leaders in the local immigrant community. At the meal, program participants hailing from Mauritania, Nicaragua, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Taiwan and Rwanda shared their experiences. Local leaders -- including city and county officials -- were invited to come, listen and use what they learned to make the community more inviting for all.
Bismarck, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: Many adults age 50 and over wanted to build digital skills but felt unsure navigating technology and excluded by cost or unfamiliar learning environments. North Dakota's Gateway to Science responded by opening its doors to older adults through a 50 Plus Discount Day and a series of hands on digital literacy workshops offered both at the science center and inside local communities where older adults live. The workshops focused on practical topics such as scam messages, password safety and emerging tools, with small group formats that allowed for questions and individual support. Participants reported leaving with greater confidence and excitement about using what they learned with family and in daily life. Several said they arrived believing they were not digitally literate and left feeling capable and curious.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP North Dakota State Office
107 W. Main Avenue
Suite 125
Bismarck, ND 58501
United States