Transportation Options Networks for Seniors: Rural Round Table
Transportation Options Network for Seniors
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TONS informs and educates Manitobans on transportation options that enhance quality of life and promote age friendly communities.

Round Table Meetings on the Mobility Disadvantaged Transportation Program

South Eastman   Interlake   Central   North Eastman   Parkland   Assiniboine


                The Transportation Options Network for Seniors created the Rural Subcommittee in order to address the transportation needs of seniors in rural settings. Because of the remoteness and lack of transportation alternatives, older adults in rural Canada often experience serious barriers to accessing daily needs, medical care and social or recreational activities – all of which are essential components to quality of living.
 Here in Manitoba, the Mobility Disadvantage Transportation Program (MDTP) through the Provincial Intergovernmental Affairs provides handi-van services in a range of rural communities. The rural committee was formed to examine the effectiveness of these programs in terms of:

  • Operational practices
  • Community support
  • The development of regional partnerships

   
 The rural committee held six roundtables that were organized to ensure all rural communities in southern Manitoba were included. Participants represented the disability and seniors communities, senior-serving organizations, handi-van programs and municipal governments. Each roundtable consisted of small group sessions and a priority setting activity. The overall findings of the round tables highlight that for the MDTP program to be an effective and sustainable option for older adults, certain themes will need to be explored further, these include:

  •  improved communication and coordination amongst rural communities,
  • acknowledgement of the value of local adaptation,
  • the continuing importance of volunteerism, and
  • the need for diverse sources of funding.

In reviewing the summaries of each round table provided, it is evident that the topics, issues and strengths present in each region varied greatly. This was reflective of the diversity in the size, geography and culture of that region’s communities among other things. The particular barriers and opportunities present in each region have been highlighted in the round table summaries for each region.
Despite the uniqueness of each region, certain themes were present throughout the process and in every round table. These include:

  1. Connection to Aging-In-Place
    • There are strong and important ties between transportation options in rural areas and the economic and social benefits associated with aging-in-place.
  2. Diversity of Communities
    • The recognition of community diversity and subsequent need for flexibility and innovation in operating an efficient handi-van geared towards local needs.
  3. Remoteness
    • The intensified challenges of providing transportation options to remote communities which are geographically dispersed, isolated, have smaller populations and are often economically disadvantaged.
  4. Stigma
    • What stigma is attached to the handi-van service and how has this impacted ridership and community engagement?.
  5. Medical Appointments
    • The cost of traveling long distances to medical appointments in Winnipeg and other urban centres is a serious barrier and can be intensified by the lack of coordination between medical centres and handi-vans.
  6. Improved Communication With Stakeholders
    • There is a general need for stakeholders and the wider community to be better informed about the handi-van program, particularly across generations and groups to facilitate the creation of partnerships within and between communities
  7. Coordination
    • There is a great need for information sharing and communication at a community and regional level to allow handi-vans and stakeholders to learn from each other.
    • There is untapped potential for coordination and collaboration between handi-vans, municipalities and service providers that would allow for more equitable and efficient handi-van service.
    • Many success stories and examples of coordination were heard throughout the process, for instance:
      • Establishing community operating guidelines to supplement those provided by MDTP and ensure accountability and consistency
      • Informing surrounding small communities about handi-van service through presentations
      • Sponsoring municipalities coordinating to provide service to small or dispersed communities close by