WTA wants more seniors to benefit from fixed bus routes

When Maureen McCarthy talks with groups at senior centers and retirement facilities about Whatcom Transportation Authority’s fixed bus routes, listeners often raise safety concerns. They also mention their discomfort figuring out the logistics of riding a bus and of selecting routes.

McCarthy, the agency’s community relations and marketing manager, reassures them that WTA has very few threatening incidents. She encourages the seniors to give the bus a try.

“It’s easier than you think,” she says. “You can go to some great places.”

Only about 5 percent of riders on WTA’s fixed bus routes in Whatcom County are over 65. That figure does not include seniors who use the agency’s paratransit service. Just under half, 49.6 percent, of the people who used the paratransit service are over 65.

For seniors, advantages of using the fixed routes go far beyond just reaching a destination. Other benefits include spontaneity, greater independence, social connections, and the chance to interact with people of different ages.

Every bus offers priority seating for elderly and disabled riders, including two places for wheelchairs. The drivers, who are trained to help people with disabilities and mobility concerns, help to secure the wheelchairs in place.

“It’s a very bighearted group of people,” McCarthy says of the drivers. “People get respect when they get on the bus.”

For help figuring out bus routes, WTA’s website offers a trip planner, but McCarthy encourages people with questions to call 360-676-RIDE (7433).

In addition, WTA offers reduced-fare cards to people over 65 and to people of any age with disabilities. People over 75 can get a special card that lets them ride free on all fixed routes.

In contrast to senior’s relatively low ridership on fixed routes, more than 1,700 people over 65 use WTA’s paratransit service, which picks up and delivers people to curbside locations, or to the door if needed. The service follows the same hours and areas as fixed routes. Paratransit riders can make reservations up to a week in advance.

Eligibility for paratransit service is determined by mobility, not by age. If county residents can’t get to a bus stop, board a bus, or navigate the routes, they can apply for the service. Using paratransit requires an application and telephone interview with WTA’s eligibility specialist.

McCarthy emphasizes that the bus system supports everyone who needs paratransit service, even as the county is encouraging seniors to ride fixed bus routes.

To educate seniors about fixed routes, the Whatcom Council of Governments received a $240,000 state grant for a two-year program that began in July. The program includes visits to senior centers, and guided trips for groups on fixed routes. A similar program goes to senior residences, where guides escort people to key places in the community.

Starting in November, the Council of Governments will offer people who are eligible for paratransit service one-on-one instruction on how to use the fixed route system.

McCarthy says learning the bus system is important for people as they age.

“Learn while you’re able,” she says. “There may come a time when you can’t drive.”

This story was originally published October 29, 2015 at 4:01 AM with the headline "WTA wants more seniors to benefit from fixed bus routes."