Transportation

Transportation presents a significant barrier to seniors living in the community.   They often need assistance to get to medical appointments, obtain groceries, attend important benefit meetings, and attend wellness or adult day care programs.   There are two primary sources of supported transportation in the District:  Metro Access and The Seabury Connector.  Metro Access is a paratransit system operated through the Washington Metro Area Transit Authority (WMATA).  This service requires a fee which is calculated as up to two times the fastest comparable fixed route fare up to a maximum of $6.50.  The Seabury Connector is a free service.

Usage of Seabury Connector increased from 6,405 in 2012 to 14,217 in 2014.  In October 2014 alone Seabury Connector served 1,396 clients, many needing dialysis treatments or participating in adult day care programs. A low estimate of the client requests unable to be fulfilled in a month is 1,200.  The shortage is due to inadequate funding to hire the number of drivers required to meet the needs.  Based on demand and unmet needs, Seabury estimates it could add up to 24 more drivers with an average salary of approximately $41,000.  Additionally, funds are required to meet the needs of the new Connector Card and to accommodate group trips.  Overall, Seabury estimates an additional $1,500,000 for the program will help to increase its service to meet the needs of seniors in the District.

Goals and Objectives

Goal: To give all older adults in the District access to safe and affordable modes of private and public transportation

Objectives:

1. Increase in DCOA funding for Seabury Connector.
2. Advocate for ways the two publicly funded methods of transportation, Seabury Connector and MetroAccess, can together improve access to service.