LAUSR

Abstract Rural and small communities in the United States are home to a higher proportion of older adults (those aged 65 and older) than urban or suburban areas. This proportion is expected to grow over the next decade. Public transportation can play an important role in meeting the mobility needs of older adults, but transportation providers face significant challenges serving older adults in these settings. Using a set of case studies, the authors explore strategies that providers use to try to address these challenges and increase older adult transit use. These strategies include the use of flexible services, partnerships, and individualized outreach. Local context is important to service provision in small communities. Providers report generally positive results, yet most assessment rests on anecdotal evidence. There is a need for better data to determine whether older adult mobility needs are being effectively served.