Nearly 300 attended Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority's (Metro) milestone 1st Annual Older Adult Transportation Expo today to learn about discounted fares and special programs to make mobility more accessible to older adults.
More than 20 organizations and services were on hand to answer questions and provide instruction on tools available for navigating Los Angeles without a car.
“Improving mobility is important to our region but it’s particularly important to those who may be wondering about a future in which they can no longer drive,” said Metro Board Member Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker. “At Metro, we’re on your side. We believe it’s essential that seniors, elders and others who are unable to drive have good choices for transportation.”
More than 20 organizations and services with the potential to solve mobility problems for older adults were represented. Among them were Access Services and CARE, the Accessibility Unit of Metro’s Office of Civil Rights, the Rider Relief Transportation Program, LADOT, Metrolink, Foothill Transit, Big Blue Bus, Bolt Bus, Long Beach Transit, Amtrak and Pasadena Transit.
AARP also was there to talk about how that organization can assist Metro riders, as well as the genesis of an AARP art-wrapped rail car, which was designed by a world-famous artist and is now running on the Metro Expo Line.
“AARP is proud to be partnering with Los Angeles County Metro for our second Portraits of Community project,” AARP California State Director Nancy McPherson said. “Additionally, we are grateful that Synthia Saint James, an age-disrupting artist with immense energy and worldwide renown, has brought the voice of our community to life through images that reflect the people of Los Angeles.”
Representatives of Metro’s newly expanded On the Move Riders Club were available to explain the program that teaches older adults how to explore Los Angeles via Metro and other public transit, as well as how to establish a club.
"Transportation options are deeply related to quality of life and as we age, those options become even more important,” said L.A. County Supervisor and Metro Board Member Sheila Kuehl. “That is the reason I pushed for Metro to analyze its services for older adults and the disabled. With today’s Older Adult Expo, Metro and its partners are taking an important step in showcasing existing programs. I’m happy that so many people turned out to learn how to 'get up and go' at any age with Metro."
Metro’s new Mobile Customer Center – which travels L.A. County to take Metro cards and services to underserved areas -- was parked nearby so that participants could sign up for discounted fares for older adults.
“At Metro we are committed to keeping fares low for older adults,” said Metro Board Chair John Fasana. “We are committed to making it easier for you to get from Point A to Point B. And we are committed to delivering more transit options to all of our county … and all of our residents.”
