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Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (2018) Print
2018 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Public or private transit access
└ Public or private transit access
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.
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See More Projects Like This One
Westport, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: This project established a fixed-route transportation service for older adults, operating one day per week between common shopping, banking and medical destinations in this rural community.
Washington County, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: An iconic bus shelter known to Mad River Valley locals as The Snail sat unused and had fallen into disrepair. The Yestermorrow Design/Build School stepped in to rescue the structure, replacing rotting siding and roofing, upgrading structural elements and adding accessibility features, such as handrails. After clearing a space on School grounds, volunteers then moved The Snail four miles down the road. They also planted native vegetation around The Snail. Following these improvements, the spiral-shaped bus shelter is now back in use at a public bus stop.
Milton, DE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: The project will provide transportation vouchers for older adults with physical limitations or who are unable to drive so that they can utilize an on-demand ride service.
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Springfield, MA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Engaging people in transportation options/safety
Description: The grant will fund a walk audit training program to teach residents how to recognize hazardous conditions in their communities and advocate for changes to make streets safer.
Windsor Locks, CT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: This project will transform an underutilized alley into a downtown community gardening and socializing space that includes garden beds and outdoor seating.
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