Chino Valley, AZ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017

Project Category: Public or private transit access

Description: Yavapai Regional Transit installed an ADA-compliant bus stop shelter in Chino Valley. Although the transit provider had purchased a steel bus shelter, it lacked enough funding to install it properly. This project laid a concrete pad for the shelter, as well as an accessible walkway and bollards to protect it from traffic. On the day of its installation, a frequent rider asked if she could sit on the bench just to try it out. She told project organizers she was looking forward to having shelter from the sun and rain. Yavapai Regional transit chose Chino Valley for the shelter because many residents there don't drive or lack financial resources for other forms of 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.

Westport, MA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Public or private transit access

Description: Westport Council on Aging launched a fixed-route shopping service to address the lack of public transit in this rural community. Using wheelchair-accessible vans, the program provided rides for errands and shopping, helping older adults regain independence and social connection. Outreach sessions and newsletters promoted the service, and signage on vans increased visibility. One rider said, "This program is a Godsend... I am so grateful," underscoring how reliable transportation reduces isolation and restores autonomy for older adults who no longer drive.