Transit Connections 2013 The Value of Transit Emerging Trends: The Demographics and Needs of Seniors Richard Weiner Nelson/Nygaard Grady Tarbutton Washoe County Senior Services Connie McMullen Senior Spectrum Newspaper

Senior Transportation: Trends and Opportunities December 6, 2013 Richard Weiner PRESENTED TO TRANSIT CONNECTIONS 2013 CONFERENCE

Overview ■National demographic trends ■Washoe County senior trends ■Impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ■Serving senior mobility needs in a car oriented environment ■Range of mobility strategies Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates, Inc.

Senior Demographic Trends ■13% of population over 65 ■19% by 2030 ■Overlap between disability and senior population ■33% of people with disabilities are seniors ■75 and older: 55% have a disability that impacts public transit use Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates, Inc.

Disability Prevalence by Age Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates, Inc.

Transportation Mode Split Among Seniors 65+ Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates, Inc. Source: National Household Travel Survey, 2009

Washoe County - % Change in Senior Population Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates, Inc.

Population of Washoe County, Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates, Inc. POPULATION 2009 POPULATION 2000% CHANGE 2009 SENIOR POPULATION (65+) 2000 SENIOR POPULATION (65+)% CHANGE Washoe County 411,125339,486 21% 48,70235,797 36% Cold Springs 9,2553, % % Gerlach-Empire %724753% Incline Village - Crystal Bay8,7199,952-12%1,2641,1639% Lemmon Valley-Golden Valley6,7776,855-1% % Nixon % % Reno 213,772180,480 18%23,900 20,603 16% Spanish Springs 13,9409,01855% % Sparks 86,30266,346 30%10,089 6,789 49% Sun Valley 19,52219,461 0% 2,0081,464 37% Sutcliffe %463244% Verdi-Mogul2,3432,949-21% % Wadsworth % % Source: US Census 2000, American Community Survey 3-Year Estimates

Washoe County Population 65+ per Square Mile Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates, Inc.

Non-Driving Seniors ■21% of over 65 year olds ■More isolated than drivers ■Half shopping and eating trips ■65% less family, religious and social trips ■Over half stay at home on given day due to lack of transportation Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates, Inc.

Can Paratransit Solve this Mobility Problem? ■Seniors prefer to age in place ■In a decade, over 75% in rural or suburban areas ■Perception of ADA paratransit as the solution ■But … limitations on eligibility, hours, area, cost ■“Most older people do not have significant disabilities for most of their senior years” (Rosenbloom) Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates, Inc.

Limitations of ADA Paratransit ■Dramatic cost increases ■Many cutting back to ADA minimums ■Most seniors don’t use paratransit ■Only 7% of older people used in a given month ■Older registrants take less than two round trips monthly ■Poor substitute for driving Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates, Inc.

Driving will likely always be the primary mode for seniors ■Driving or riding as a passenger ■Over 75% of trips will be in a car ■Over 90% of shopping trips Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates, Inc.

Careful Allocation of Resources Needed ■Multi-pronged approach ■Cost of Access versus RIDE Trip ($25.48 vs. $2.28) ■ADA Paratransit always fill a critical need ■Needs to be well-focused ■Accurate eligibility screening essential Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates, Inc.

Other Options Services ■Flexible transit ■Shuttles ■Community transit partners ■Paratransit to fixed route feeder ■Taxis ■Independent Transportation Network ■Volunteer driver program Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates, Inc.

Other Options (continued) ■Travel training ■Mobility Ambassadors ■Senior-friendly transportation information ■Driver safety training ■Walking and fitness ■Pedestrian-friendly infrastructure Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates, Inc.

Conclusion ■Senior population growing significantly ■Divergent needs and abilities ■Nuanced approach needed ■Range of strategies been adopted nation-wide ■Careful allocation matching needs to resources ■Coordinated effort needed to extend mobility ■Ensure continued contributions of seniors through employment, volunteering, grandparenting, and driving other older adults Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates, Inc.

Questions?

NELSON\NYGAARD CONSULTING ASSOCIATES © 2013 Richard Weiner 116 New Montgomery St., Suite 500 San Francisco, CA