Seniors in Phoenix Arizona who rely on the mass transit system will now have fewer options to help them get around the region. This is because there are new cuts in service for buses and the Metro light rail in the Phoenix area. Rough economic conditions have forced the transit agencies in the region to implement frequency and service reductions, which will make things more difficult to get around the area. Reductions in public transit services often hurt seniors the most, as they typically have a heavy reliance on these services to help them get to where they need to go. The public transit allows seniors to be more independent, as many are unable to drive, but need to get to places around Phoenix.
The new changes do not mean that seniors cannot still get from point A to point B, but it will now be much more difficult for them to complete their trips in a timely manner. Overall most of the service reductions effect the times of the day when the transit system carries the fewest passengers. The early-morning is one of those times that is a bit slower, however it is a time when seniors are awake and want to use public transportation to run errands before it gets too hot in Phoenix. One of the biggest things upsetting seniors is the elimination of the Dial-a-Ride reservation system, which has been key to help them get small shuttles to take them on their errands. As an alternative, Phoenix is pushing seniors to try out a new program called Senior Cab, where they can buy $40 in taxi vouchers each month at 30 cents on the dollar.
Ellen grew up on the east coast and spent 10 years working in senior homes during her 20's and 30's before taking a break to raise her 3 children. Now that her children are in college, Ellen uses her knowledge of senior care to help her write about all of the latest industry news. Ellen is a fabulous seamstress, and when not writing about the senior care industry, you can find her sewing away on her latest fashion creation.
