IAAAA Policy Position
on
Transportation
Position
IAAAA supports Federal 5311 funding for rural public transportation as a way to expand transportation for people of all ages. Area Agencies on Aging receive these funds, and these funds continue to assist with expansion efforts so that rural public transportation will be available for individuals of all age.
IAAAA supports Indiana’s focus on rural public transportation by continuing to include Public Mass Transportation Fund funding in the state budget each biennium.
IAAAA continues to support Older Americans Act (Title IIIB) funding as a tool for providing and expanding transportation options.
IAAAA supports the Family and Social Services Administration continuing to search for ways to match the Federal 5310 Program and related operational expenses.
Background
Quality transportation services are fundamental to supporting the vision of independent, healthy, and engaged lives for seniors in Indiana. Transportation services support the development of comprehensive and coordinated systems of care for seniors and people living with a disability.
While some changes may be difficult to forecast, we can be certain there will be real challenges in meeting the transportation needs of seniors in the near future. The US Census Bureau estimates that by 2030 one of every four drivers on the road will be over the age of 65 years. This factor points strongly to the need for more mobility options for seniors and has important policy and program implications.
The Older Americans Act and Federal/State Department of Transportation (DOT) funds through 5311 (including the Public Mass Transit Fund [PMTF]) currently support many rural public transportation providers.
There is a clear need for an integrated and responsive transportation for seniors and disabled Hoosiers. It is noted that 11 of 16 Indiana Area Agencies on Aging have identified transportation as the primary need in their planning and service area. Both the FSSA Division of Aging and the Indiana's Area Agencies on Aging needs assessments rank transportation as the number one community need in Indiana.
Funding for transportation services in Indiana is presently stable. The Indiana Department of Transportation has offered funding for rural transit expansion for several years now. In recent years, state monies have held steady for providers. However, this financial support may change as Indiana's population ages.
Issues
Transportation demand is currently outweighing system abilities as many communities are still reporting transportation as the most desired community need. Costs of transportation (fuel, maintenance, labor, etc.) are increasing while funding for transportation services is holding steady. Local transportation efforts have had to depend on county government funds and local agency funds (both of which can fluctuate from year to year and are disproportionate for some counties).
Current Action Needed
FEDERAL: Contact federal legislators to inform them of the importance of increasing OAA Title IIIB to assure that transportation needs of the growing senior population are met.
INDIANA: Promote the use of state funding to match 5311 monies that will help AAA's to continue to pay for the operation of transportation programs. Encourage Indiana policy makers to continue to use CHOICE funds to match Federal 5310 funding to help AAA's acquire needed vehicles for transportation programs.
COUNTY: Discuss the need for local matching funds from county and city/town governments. County Commissioners are important in assuring rural public transportation continues to be successful. Ask County Commissioners to begin funding or increase financial support so that rural public transit services will continue to exist.
Sources
Last Updated May 2010
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