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There are a multitude of programs available to help the elderly and
disabled reach appointments, go shopping, and perform other tasks
associated with daily living. Not all of these are easily accessible
or easy to find. The requirements often range from proof of age or
disability, to income, as well as stating that no other
transportation means are available. It is easy to become discouraged
with the process and give up interacting with the community at
large.
Rural communities, oddly enough, may have more transportation
alternatives than urban areas. In recent years, grants from the
Department of Transportation and other state and federal programs
have increased the amount of transportation available in rural
communities, especially for those individuals who need to access
medical services. Still, these programs may not offer flexible
scheduling, and they may not offer access to shopping in larger
areas or simply pleasure trips. Depending on the area and the
funding source for the transportation, there may be specific
eligibility criteria that limit access for individuals in need.
According to the Department of Transportation, approximately 38
percent of individuals live in areas without access to public
transportation. In addition, in late 2006, the first of the “Baby
Boomer” generation will reach retirement age. By 2030, the number of
individuals who are 65 and older will double from the current number
of 35 million to more than 70 million (Community Transportation
Association of America, 2003). This influx of individuals who are
eligible for senior transportation programs could cause some
programs to begin to limit transportation options simply based on
inability to serve as many people as need services.
Independent Transportation Network (ITN):
The Independent Transportation Network (ITN) has developed a viable
model program that can be readily duplicated across the United
States, helping to solve some of the transportation woes that
communities are facing today. Started in 1999 as a result of
research sponsored by the Federal Transit Administration, AARP, and
the Transportation Research Board, the Maine-based non-profit offers
the program to seniors and individuals with vision impairments.
The mission statement of ITN is “to provide a community-based, and
community supported, economically viable and consumer-oriented,
quality transportation service for seniors.” The program is
supported, not only by individuals who use the service, but by
businesses who want to encourage individuals to use their company’s
services and products. For example, a business may want to provide
free trips to individuals who shop at their store or use their
products. Businesses can receive monthly statements regarding usage
and the customer is provided with quick, easy transportation. Health
care providers can also participate and help offset the costs of
getting seniors to necessary health check-ups and other
appointments.
The project is available in thirteen communities in Maine and is
being planned for communities such as Charleston/Trident, South
Carolina; Mercer County, New Jersey; Orlando, Florida; and Santa
Monica, California. The national network (www.itnamerica.org) is now
implementing full-scale nationwide roll-out that started in the fall
2005. Corporations, foundations, and the Federal Transit
Administration provided the initial funding for the project which
will help reshape the face of transportation for older Americans in
the U.S.
The President and Founder Katherine Freund was recently appointed by
President Bush to serve at the White House Conference on Aging.
Freund began researching the program during graduate school after a
fatal car accident involving one of her family members. Her insight
into the real problem – seniors not having adequate transportation
alternatives – helped shape the research and direction of ITN. Since
the White House Conference on Aging occurs only once every ten
years, her appointment gives her the opportunity to present ITN to
policy makers, leaders, and ultimately, communities who need
mobility options for seniors.
Returning Dignity to Seniors:
Seniors who have to stop driving often feel that their world is
limited and they are dependent on family and friends to provide them
transportation favors. By becoming a dues-paying member of the local
ITN, the guilt associated with transportation is removed. Seniors
are scheduling transportation that fits their own needs and sharing
in the costs of the service. Seniors who are no longer able to drive
can sell their vehicles and place the funds in their ITN account to
pay for transportation. Scholarships are available for low-income
individuals who need transportation, yet cannot afford to
participate at the full cost of the network.
The program offers transportation for minimal cost, paid by the
mile, for qualifying individuals. Instead of offering bus-style
transportation, individuals are transported in private cars and can
be picked up right on their doorstep. The service operates 24 hours
per day, seven days per week. Individuals can plan their trips ahead
or call when they are ready to leave. Individual accounts offer ease
of payment, since the account can easily be debited at the time of
the trip.
Sustainability of transportation programs developed in communities
has long been an issue. When the funding is no longer available, the
program is limited or eliminated all together. Since ITN is
community-supported by seniors who use the service, businesses,
health care providers, as well as local government funding, it is
more viable in the long-run. Vehicle donations and volunteers also
offset operating costs. Some drivers are paid, yet volunteer drivers
are encouraged to help assist even more people. Volunteers support
the network by working as drivers, thus minimizing the costs
associated with operating the program.
ITN provides a community-based solution with long-term
sustainability potential. This means, in essence, that seniors who
were once limited in their mobility options may now soon have
alternatives. Though the project is still in its initial roll-out
stages, the research behind the program is strong, as well as the
support at all levels of government. Communities and individuals
alike can realize the value of grass-roots programs that provide
flexibility for seniors, while still preserving independence and
dignity for as long as possible.
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