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South Central Regional Transit District (2020) Print
2020 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Public or private transit access
└ Public or private transit access
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.
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See More Projects Like This One
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.
Washington, DC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: Older adults in Washington DC often lacked confidence using public transit or ride-hailing, leaving many isolated and unable to reach essential services. The Senior Transit Solutions program delivered five workshops, over 100 one-on-one training sessions and many practice trips to build skills and confidence. 97% of participants reported feeling more comfortable navigating transportation options. "Thanks to this training program, I've been able to go shopping, doctor appointments and senior events that I normally wouldn't have been able to go to," one participant said. Plans include expanding the program citywide.
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.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
La Union, NM
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: Although La Union's community center campus offered plenty of outdoor space, the space sat largely unused. So La Union Helping Hands set out to activate the area. Volunteers installed a benches and a gazebo for shade onsite. They also added seating and shelter to the nearby bus stop. This allows visitors -- including older adults -- to wait comfortably for the bus. Organizers hope the enhancements foster a vibrant space where residents can connect with each other, instilling a sense of community. Spurred by the project's success, La Union Helping Hands now plans to revamp landscaping, plant a community garden, install even more seating, and improve sidewalks at the community center.
La Union, NM
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Park enhancements
Description: An abandoned baseball field turned walking trail lacked lighting, leaving older adults feeling unsafe after dark and limiting outdoor activity. Volunteers installed 12 solar lights along the trail and added desert landscaping with crushed rock, seating rocks and metal art near the community center. Outreach included flyers and social media to showcase improvements. Lighting now enables evening walks and community events, boosting safety and camaraderie. Residents expressed pride in the beautified space, and plans include murals and benches. One participant said, "Out here, lights are very essential because it is pitch black... We need to feel safe."
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