Senior-Friendly Public Transportation in Winnipeg: Towards a Comprehensive Strategy

Abstract

Healthy aging requires a safe and convenient method of connecting to life outside of the home. Public transportation can fulfill this essential role in assisting people to conduct both instrumental activities of daily life, such as grocery shopping, and social activities of daily life, such as visiting with family and friends. Senior-friendly public transportation in Winnipeg has never before been considered by relevant stakeholders through a sustained and coordinated effort. The Public Transportation Sub-committee of the Transportation Options Network for Seniors (TONS) is a multi-stakeholder community coalition that focuses on the importance of addressing this issue. During the fall and winter of 2008/09, TONS undertook an examination to identify and report upon the opportunities and challenges in existing public transportation systems and services for seniors in the city of Winnipeg. The research was conducted through the Institute of Urban Studies and done in collaboration with seniors in the community as well as relevant stakeholders so as to develop practical solutions to the problems. This position paper is intended to inform the various parties responsible for the provision of public transportation about the gaps in knowledge about seniors as clients. This document should also serve useful to seniors and other members of the public interested in this issue-area.