Funding the Transit Needs of an Aging Population

Funding the Transit Needs of an Aging Population

TCRP Project J-11, Task 8, for APTA

David KoffmanRichard WeinerScott Chapman

Amy Pfeiffer

Objectives Identify actions and services needed to expand mobility options for older people

Quantify demand for these public transportation services

Estimate the funding that will be needed to provide them

The Age Wave

05,000,000

10,000,00015,000,00020,000,00025,000,00030,000,00035,000,00040,000,00045,000,00050,000,000

25 - 34 35 - 44 45 - 54 55 - 64 65 - 74 75 - 84 85+Age Group

2000 Census2005-2007 ACS

Age Group Growth in 10 Years

Growth in 20 Years

65 – 74 51% 81%75 – 84 22% 89%85 and older 15% 52%All Ages 10% 20%

The Age Wave

0

10

20

30

40

65 - 74 75 - 84 85+

Millions

201020202030

The Big Picture Fixed-route operations and planning Vehicles Help for older people to use existing services

Supplementary services Universal design at transit facilities, streets, and sidewalks

Services and Actions

Quantifiable Services and Actions ADA Paratransit Dial-a-Ride Taxi Subsidy Volunteer Drivers Community Buses Outreach and Training Information and Assistance Driver Training

Services and Actions

More Ridership by Older People

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

2010 2020 2030

Mill

ions

of T

rips

per

Year

Taxi Subsidy

Volunteer DriversCommunity Buses

ADA Paratransit

Dial-a-Ride

Funding Need

Funding Need

Where the Numbers Come From

Ridership at 27 “model programs”

Trip rates for each older age group

Apply trip rates to national population in 2010 ridership

Increase ridership using population projections

Apply unit costs

Estimated cost of $4.8 billion for needed services in 2010 (capital + operating)

About one-half of this is now being provided by transit agencies and community organizations

Existing Funding Gap

Changes or increases to conventional transit service

Modifications to transit vehicles Improvements at bus stops (accessible pathways, benches, and shelters)

Improvements to pedestrian facilities near transit stops (sidewalks, crosswalk improvements)

Planning and interagency coordination

Not Included in the National Estimates

Discussion and Unit Costs: Medians and pedestrian refuges Curb extensions Crossing signals: longer timing, audible, larger

Sidewalks, lighting, curb ramps Benches and bus shelters

Pedestrian Improvements

Spreadsheet Tool

Spreadsheet Tool

Spreadsheet Tool