AARP Eye Center
)
AARP Livable Communities Map
Human Resource Development Council of District IX Inc. (2020) Print
2020 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Public or private transit access
└ Public or private transit access
Streamline is a zero-fare, fixed route bus system that serves about 1,000 riders daily. Because of its popularity, the Human Resource Development Council -- which runs the service -- determined it needed to redesign Streamline's routes and explore ways to expand. To publicize new routes, the Council launched its Doors to Transit campaign. Volunteers painted 15 large, colorful doors displaying information about the new bus service, which the Council temporarily installed around the region. In addition, project organizers hosted a community event to inform residents about new routes and changes to timetables. To draw people in, participants had the chance to win gift cards redeemable at local businesses. Project organizers say these efforts helped reach potential Streamline riders and prepare existing riders for upcoming bus service changes.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Springfield, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: A lack of benches represented a barrier to older adults using Springfield's public transit system. To make waiting for the bus a more comfortable experience, the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority worked with the local parks and public works departments to install ten benches throughout the city. The Authority engaged residents to inform each bench's aesthetics and placement. They tailored the amenities based on each location's historical and design context. In Court Square -- a neighborhood dating to 1636 -- they installed Victorian-style benches. Elsewhere, they chose a more modern look. Organizers hope the new seating encourages people of all ages and abilities to use public transportation.
Fort Collins, CO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: To help older residents navigate the region without needing to drive themselves, the PAFC held a full-day transit training on how to use the regional, fixed-route bus service connecting the Larimer County communities of Fort Collins and Loveland to downtown Denver. Project organizers recruited older adults to fill a bus for a daytrip to Denver. Participants learned how to read bus route maps and schedules, pay fares and make transfers. Videographers were on hand to film the experience, providing clips for educational videos. After the experience, all participants reported being more at ease using public transit. Organizers also used feedback from participants to advocate for additional transit service and stops Since the bus trip, PAFC has continued to partner on travel trainings, including adding offerings in Spanish.
Tallahassee, FL
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: This project will teach older adults skills needed to navigate public transportation independently. The city's transit provider will offer trainings to residents at no cost.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Bozeman, MT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: The City of Bozeman partnered with the Western Transportation Institute to create a pop-up trailer, which they lend to community groups who want to test out street concepts and advocate for permanent changes. The toolkit contains materials for temporary demonstrations, such as straw wattles, planter boxes, pavement paint and tires. These are useful for creating curb extensions and pedestrian islands -- features that calm traffic by narrowing lanes and increasing the visibility of cyclists and pedestrians. The City deployed the kit at the intersection of Tamarack and North Tracy, where residents often complain about speeding. Located near a park, senior center and the county fairgrounds, the intersection is popular with pedestrians and cyclists. When the City polled passersby about the interventions, two-thirds of the feedback they heard was positive. The City also set up radar speed detection equipment, which showed slower vehicle speeds during pop-up project.
Bozeman, MT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: The Western Transportation Institute conducted three temporary traffic calming projects and two pop-up bus shelters. The temporary demonstrations included new pedestrian crossings, curb extensions and traffic circles. The Institute then partnered with local community groups and the Streamline Bus Service to gather data and evaluate how well these installations calmed traffic and increased pedestrian safety. The City of Bozeman later replicated the three traffic circles in other locations to manage disruptions from a large construction project.
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 Montana State Office
30 West 14th Street
Suite 301
Helena, MT 59601
United States