Special Needs Transportation
From 1994 to 1997 Health Canada funded the Council for a project to address isolation of older adults. As a result, many pilot projects to address isolation began. In November 1995, the Seniors Shuttle Service was piloted. In cooperation with the Corps of Commissionaires, this project operated in the northwest area of the city and later expanded city wide due to the great demand.
The project provided over 5000 rides in four and half months to seniors who required special needs transportation services. Due to financial reasons, the pilot concluded on March 31, 1996, at which time an evaluation was completed.
Information from the pilot is being used today through the
Special Needs Transportation Committee formed by the Council on Aging in 1999. The goals of this committee are:
-
To educate others on how inadequate transportation options contribute to isolation of older adults and undermine their independence and access to service and activities.
-
To attempt to influence the provincial government to increase funding for special needs transportation.
-
To work with the City of Saskatoon through presentation on the City of Saskatoon Special Needs Transportation Advisory Committee
Please refer to Council's Directory of Services For Older Adults and look under the transportation section for organizations which offer special needs transportation for older adults.
