Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Ministry of Transportation
Improving Community Transportation for Seniors, Persons Living With Disabilities
Ontario is launching a new pilot program to improve community transportation services for seniors, persons living with disabilities, youth, and other members of the community who need transportation.
The Community Transportation Pilot Grant Program will provide funds to municipalities to partner with community organizations, such as health and community agencies, transit agencies, school-bus operators and private transit operators, to co-ordinate local transportation services, so more rides can be provided to more people, and to more destinations.
For example, municipalities and organizations will have the ability to co-ordinate vehicles and drivers to provide rides to more clients from multiple organizations, such as community and social health services, to a common destination. This helps free up other vehicles to make trips to other destinations or to offer rides to the broader public.
This program is part of the Ontario government's commitment to provide support to help seniors stay healthy and stay at home longer. It will also improve transportation services, options, and resources for everyone in the community, such as students and youth who need to get to school, persons with disabilities, or those in rural areas where amenities and services are too far to reach without a car.
Investing in public transportation is part of the government's economic plan for Ontario. The four part plan is building Ontario up by investing in people's talents and skills, building new public infrastructure like roads and transit, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives, and building a secure savings plan so everyone can afford to retire.
Quick Facts:
- The pilot grant program is application-based and community transportation proposals from municipalities will be accepted up to Jan. 30, 2015.
- Over the next 20 years, the number of seniors aged 65 and over will more than double, from 1.9 million today to 4.2 million in 2036.
Learn More:
Quotes:
"The Ontario government is committed to providing transportation options to help all residents stay connected to their communities, so they can access employment and social programs, attend appointments, visit friends and family, and maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. Our transportation investments help build better communities and improve overall quality of life for all Ontarians."
— Steven Del Duca, Minister of Transportation
"This investment is not only an improvement to transportation services for seniors, but it also helps them participate fully in their communities. Making transportation accessible is just another way Ontario`s Action Plan for Seniors is helping seniors remain active, engaged and independent for as long as possible."
— Mario Sergio, Minister Responsible for Seniors Affairs
"Better coordination of transportation services across the municipality, community organizations and other transportation providers would help us leverage existing resources to provide better access to public transit for those who may need it including students, seniors or people living with disabilities."
— Yvan Baker, MPP, Etobicoke Centre
Media Contacts:
Patrick Searle
Minister’s Office
416-327-1815
Bob Nichols
Communications Branch
416-327-1158
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