Lawrence, KS

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Public or private transit access

Description: Many of Lawrence's bus stops lacked shelters or seating for waiting riders. As a temporary fix, people left lawn chairs, folding chairs and benches at the bus stops, which locals nicknamed shame benches. The United Way of Douglas County stepped in to install amenities at 15 bus stops, particularly in lower income areas with high ridership. Local youth created art to decorate five existing stops, with students at a local technical school constructing custom-built shelters for another five. Project organizers hope the upgrades make the transit system more accessible to older people, people with disabilities and anyone who can't easily stand on a curb.

Burlington, VT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Public or private transit access

Description: This project will improve accessibility at bus stops by adding seating and ramps for boarding and exiting buses. The local transit provider will prioritize upgrades at stops near senior centers and in neighborhoods with many older adult residents.

Willmar, MN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Public or private transit access

Description: This project distributed transit tokens to older adults and people with disabilities in residential facilities. Childcare providers received transit passes allowing them to take children in their care to such facilities, promoting intergenerational contact. Additionally, Mid-Minnesota Development Commission purchased two electric trishaws to expand micro-mobility options at residential care facilities.