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.

Bennettsville, SC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Public or private transit access

Description: The city will install ADA-compliant bus shelters with seating at key transit stops. The shelters will provide riders with a safer, more comfortable place to wait while using the existing bus service.

El Cajon, CA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Public or private transit access

Description: To help older adults in El Cajon's large Iraqi refugee community navigate the area's public transit system, Circulate San Diego created training materials in Arabic. Older adults in this community are more likely to suffer from PTSD and social isolation, with language and cultural barriers preventing many from comfortably leaving home. The training resources included a how-to video, as well as materials to help local high school students share information about transit basics with family members and neighbors. Circulate San Diego also created a transit map and brochures in Arabic. Project organizers say they hope the resources helps community members use transit as a mobility option -- and a way to regain independence.