Moving towards coordinated accessible transportation for older adults : identification of barriers and incentives to implementation in the Captial Regional District, British Columbia.
Date
2008-05-22T16:06:47Z
Authors
Dibert, Corinne Christine
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Abstract
Communities such as the Capital Regional District (CRD) of Vancouver Island (BC) currently struggle to meet the transportation needs of older adults and other vulnerable populations, particularly in terms of resources and funding. In the future, these challenges will continue given the current demographic shift and the existing structure of the transportation system. Since the provision of transportation is an important element for the quality of life of older adults, it is important to consider solutions that promote a more effective use of transportation opportunities to ensure health, self-sufficiency and community connectedness amongst this population.
This research study examines one solution to the issues surrounding the provision of transportation to older adults. A Coordinated Accessible Transportation (CAT) approach supports the pooling and sharing of existing transportation resources within a formalized framework, and aims to provide safe, efficient and affordable transportation options to older adults. This research focuses on the identification of barriers and incentives to the implementation of a CAT program.
This project used a qualitative, case study approach to reach its objectives. Twenty-three semi-structured interviews were conducted with stakeholders involved in the provision of transportation. A Program Logic Model (PLM) was used to organize and analyze the information gathered. In summary, although aware of the need for a new approach, transportation providers in the CRD are reluctant to change the current system without active governance being in place at all levels. The results of this research provide a `blueprint' for the implementation of a CAT program and have relevance for other Canadian communities facing similar challenges.
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older people, transportation, Victoria, Gulf Islands, Capital Regional District