Jackson, TN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Public or private transit access

Description: The City of Jackson wanted to help riders predict when to expect their bus. To do this, City installed transit routers on buses to provide real-time information about arrival and departure times. That allows passengers to track buses through a smartphone app. Previously, they had to access timetables through PDF maps or by calling the Jackson Transit Authority. Project organizers say up-to-date information about arrival times helps residents avoid long waits at the bus stop, with are difficult for older adults and families with small children. The app also allows riders to pay bus fares online -- before they had to purchase tickets with exact change at the bus depot. Since the app's launch, the City of Jackson plans to improve bus stops, introduce a mobile fare payment and help the transit authority track bus ridership.

Jackson, TN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Addressing community health

Description: This project installed two blessing boxes -- standalone refrigerators housed wooden frames -- outside a local church and a substance abuse treatment facility. The refrigerators help combat food insecurity by offering free perishable goods to families in need. The City initially supplied food for the refrigerators, but community donation have since kept them well stocked.