Dona Ana County, NM

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Public or private transit access

Description: Founded in 2016, the South Central Transit District serves a largely rural area in New Mexico's Mesilla Valley. Before its launch, no public transportation services covered this part of the state. Despite the area's hot summer temperatures, few of the District's bus stops had amenities aimed at helping transit riders wait comfortably. To fix this, the District added two dozen benches and four bus shelters in several communities, including Anthony, Chaparral, Sunland Park and Hatch. District staff constructed concrete pads for the benches, which sit in high traffic areas. The work represents the first phase of improvements to stops -- the District plans to add LED lighting to increase safety for riders. Project organizers say the shelters and benches are popular with students and older adults, who make up a large share of the transit system's ridership.

Glen Burnie, MD

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Public or private transit access

Description: Bus stops without shelters left riders exposed to harsh weather and discouraged transit use, especially for older adults with mobility challenges. To address this, the county installed two shelters at high-traffic locations near a public library and a community college, providing covered seating and protection from the elements. The project set a model for expanding rider amenities and aims to make transit more comfortable and accessible. A library employee noted the positive changes, saying that she now sees people using the shelter throughout the day.

Ft. Defiance, AZ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Public or private transit access

Description: Many Navajo Nation residents rely on public transit to get around the vast, rural reservation. The Navajo United Way, in partnership with the Navajo Transit System, installed much-needed bus shelters at key points along the system's bus routes. The shelters provide riders with shade from the hot Arizona sun and protection from the elements, including rain and wind. In addition to seating, the shelters include solar panels, which provide power for charging phones. Project organizers report they've seen an increase in ridership since the shelters went in.