Pima Council on Aging
Submitted by:
Dr. Anna Jolivet, President
Marian Lupu, Executive Director
During the next 20 years, a projected 54 percent increase in the total population of Pima County will result in a 67 percent increase in transportation needs for seniors and those who face physical challenges.
Within the Transportation Plan there are a number of items that will directly benefit seniors and those who assist them.
The plan will add additional bus routes, bus shelters, and expand the hours that all buses run giving seniors who don’t drive more freedom. In Green Valley/Sahuarita and Ajo the plan will add a neighborhood bus circulator services. The plan will also increase funding for Van Tran and Coyote Trails transit services.
An innovative aspect of the Transportation plan is called the Volunteer Transit Service. This is a creative way to provide support to volunteers who transport seniors and others to doctor’s appointments, shopping and other services. The plan provides for volunteers to be reimbursed for their mileage costs. This could go a long way to encourage the recruitment and retention of volunteers. This low cost way of providing needed transportation for seniors will also assist them in remaining in their own homes for as long as possible.
The sales tax to pay for the Transportation Plan is fair and our only real option for funding a plan of this scope. Groceries, prescription medicine, and housing won’t be taxed, and the added cost per person is expected to be only about $2 per month.
The Pima Council on Aging supports the Transportation Plan and urges you to join us in voting “YES” on May 16.
