Transit 101 session with local seniors a big success
For many seniors, public transit provides a key connection to their communities, and the ability to navigate their later years without a vehicle. A couple members of the BC Transit recently did a presentation for a group of seniors in Metchosin that were keen to learn more about taking the bus.
Losing the ability to drive in the later years of life can be devastating for seniors. It’s a loss of independence and the freedom to easily get out for appointments, shopping, and visiting family and friends. It can lead to feelings of isolation.
While public transit remains an affordable, accessible alternative, if you’ve never taken the bus before it can feel daunting, especially for older members of the community. So, when Office Manager Yvonne Cottrell from the Metchosin Seniors’ Resource Centre reached out requesting an information session for interested seniors, our team jumped at the opportunity.
Safety and Training Officer Andrew White and Accessible Transit Coordinator Afzal Aung recently spent a couple hours at the Metchosin Seniors’ Resource Centre talking all things transit with a group of enthusiastic and inquisitive Metchosinites. Most of the people in attendance are still driving but are concerned about losing their license and what that will look like.
Afzal and Andrew covered the public transit basics (fares, schedules, payment methods, etc.) and answered all their questions, many of which centred around accessibility. Afzal spent some time informing the attendees about handyDART service – who qualifies for it, the registration process and the ins and outs of this unique and caring door-to-door service for people unable to use fixed-route transit.
“Overall, I felt that it was a successful presentation,” said Afzal Aung. “There were lots of great questions and comments, especially about accessibility. These opportunities always give BC Transit good feedback on the work we do, and how we can improve it.”
While sitting in a room and discussing public transit is extremely beneficial, getting on a bus is really important in alleviating any existing anxiety. Andrew and Afzal brought a bus with them so that after the presentation, the Metchosin seniors could get onboard and see what it’s like.
The event was scheduled for 90 minutes, but the conversation and questions were going so well that it ran 30 minutes long. Here’s what Yvonne Cottrell from the Metchosin Seniors’ Resource Centre had to say about the visit.
The recent BC Transit travel training session held in Metchosin was an enriching experience for our seniors! It was great to see the newfound confidence as many of our attendees, some of whom hadn’t been on a bus in decades, or ever, stepped aboard to learn what it would be like to ride transit.
The comprehensive information provided on public transit,as well as the insights into HandyDART services, proved invaluable. The opportunity to explore a real bus in a relaxed and pressure-free environment was particularly appreciated.
We want to thank Afzal and Andrew of BC Transit for offering this training. It’s wonderful to see such a valuable resource made available to our community!
Our organization is grateful for the interest Metchosin seniors have shown in public transit, and we hope to see them on the bus soon!
Educating people on taking transit and reducing barriers is really important, and the BC Transit teams throughout the province will always work to make time for interested individuals or groups whenever possible.
