Orange County, NC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017

Project Category: Public or private transit access

Description: Many bus stops in rural Orange County lacked shelters or a place to sit. To address this, the Orange County Department on Aging worked with the county's public transportation department to install new seats at 15 bus stops. Designed to maximize space at stops without enough room for a transit shelter, the seats accommodate two people and are attached to the bus stop sign. Project organizers say the seats increase accessibility in rural parts of the county, where no bus stop sign was in place. Following installation of the seats, the public transportation department committed to building permanent bus shelters in high-traffic, rural areas.

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.

Montpelier, VT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Public or private transit access

Description: This project will illuminate the North Branch Pedestrian Bridge to enhance safety and access to the Siboinebi recreational path. It aims to create a vibrant public space, benefiting residents, especially older adults.