Transportation

Strategy 1: Identify and understand transportation needs.

The workgroup is partnering with service agencies to identify areas of unmet needs, availability and limitations of services, and develop possible solutions.

Strategy in Action: In response to a lack of understanding of the overall need for transportation and gaps in transportation for older people and people with disabilities, the Transportation Workgroup has developed a paper outlining the benefits of a Statewide Needs Assessment for transportation in New Hampshire for older adults and individuals with disabilities. This assessment will guide programs and policies needed to keep older adults who are still driving safe, outline the type of assistance needed for older adults transitioning from driver to rider, and recommend outreach and education for older adults who no longer drive but have yet to discover transit options.

Strategy 2: Create connections between transportation and service provider programs.

The workgroup has prioritized creating connections between the transit and service providers to ensure that residents can more easily reach the supports they need through better-aligned transit and service networks.

Strategy in Action: The NHAHA Transportation Workgroup has expanded partnerships with the following organizations:

• NH Department of Health and Human Services and Aging and Disability Resource Centers,
• NH State Commission on Aging,
• Regional Planning Commissions,
• Volunteer Driver Program Providers,
• State Coordinating Council for Community Transportations and
• State Mobility Management System

Through these connections, the workgroup has inspired new connections and increased the dialogue regarding transportation needs across multiple agencies.

Strategy 3: Examine and promote cooperative delivery systems.

The NHAHA Transportation Workgroup with its many connections has focused on understanding and supporting volunteer driver programs (VDP) across the state through:

• Learning about VDP needs through surveys and quarterly meetings.
• Developing a VDP driver initiative that has recognized the need to educate the general public about VDPs and the need for volunteer drivers.