Explainer
Charlottesville, VA
December 2023
Topics: Older Adults, Mpact:LAB, Bus Stops, AARP, Transit
Tags: Charlottesville VA, AARP
An effort by the state department of transportation to update its bus stop design options sparked a local question: could we make transit more friendly to older adults by considering age-related needs at bus stops?
Mpact:LAB, working with AARP Virginia and local stakeholders, developed an explainer about the ways that our abilities and needs change as we age and how bus stops could be designed to reflect that. The explainer includes a diagram, supporting documentation and further reading.Â
As noted on the explainer, on average, older adults outlive their ability to drive safely by 7 to 10 years. This can lead to feelings of isolation or loneliness and loss of independence. Good access to transit and walking can help mitigate these issues.
