Research Triangle Park, N.C. –  By 2030, the number of Americans who are age 65 or older will double to more than 70 million.  In recognition of this trend, TTA and America’s public transportation systems are sponsoring “Seniors in Motion Day,” a nationwide initiative to showcase new and innovative ways public transit is meeting the mobility needs of the growing senior population. 

“Seniors in Motion Day” is devoted to helping older Americans feel secure, comfortable and more independent on public transit.

“As a larger percentage of Triangle residents grow older and live longer, we need to provide essential transportation choices,” said John Claflin, general manager of TTA.

A study last year by the Surface Transportation Policy Project, AARP and American Public Transportation Association (APTA) found that the United States is ill prepared to provide adequate transportation choices for a rapidly aging population of baby boomers.  More than half of all non-drivers age 65 and older stay home largely because transportation options are limited, particularly in rural and smaller communities.  The resulting isolation has serious social and economic ramifications for the nation.

"'Seniors in Motion Day' should be a wake-up call that the mobility needs of seniors are no longer simply family or personal issues, but a national priority,” said William Millar, executive director of APTA.

In addition to serving as a catalyst for new ideas, its hoped that “Seniors in Motion Day” will help generate a constructive debate among federal, state and local public officials about the need for increased investment and a nationwide commitment to improving mobility options for America’s older citizens.

TTA is a regional public transportation provider, offering a wide variety of transit and vanpool services to North Carolina's greater Triangle Region and outlying counties. Bus service is available to Apex, Cary, Chapel Hill, Durham, Garner, RDU International    Airport, Research Triangle Park (RTP) and Raleigh. The Triangle Transit Authority provides commuter resources and hosts GoTriangle.org, the on-line resource for public transportation information in the Triangle and ShareTheRideNC.com, the statewide rideshare matching service.

TTA plans to implement a 28-mile rail transit system with 12 stations connecting Durham, RTP, Cary and Raleigh, with shuttles linking RDU International Airport and RTP. The rail transit system is expected to be operational in 2008. For more information, visit www.rideTTA.org or call (919) 549-9999.