AARP Vermont Report Shows Support for Driving Alternatives

Is it time to look at Vermont's transportation system—or the lack of one? That is a question being explored by AARP and a number of other groups around Vermont. A new AARP report shows that significant groups of Vermonters are unable to get where they need to go—particularly older and lower income residents. As a strong consumer advocate, AARP is committed to supporting efforts that foster independence and livable communities—or communities that have affordable and accessible housing, community engagement opportunities, and offer a range of mobility options.

The report reveals that a substantial number of residents (54%) do not believe there are enough driving alternatives in their community and would like to see more. In addition, some 73% of Vermonters are concerned about the impact of vehicle emissions on global warming. Survey respondents said they were also concerned about gas costs and change their driving habits when prices are high. About 90% of residents believe the State should play a role in helping non-driving residents get where they are going.

A convergence of factors—changing demographics, environmental impacts, volatile gas prices, and transportation funding shortfalls—make this an opportune time to rethink the way we transport the public, concluded the report. Vermont's rural nature also presents a host of challenges to traditional public transit. The study shows that a significant percent of residents are motivated by a variety of reasons to consider alternatives to driving their own car.

The AARP study is intended to inform a public discussion on the subject and help begin the process of putting this important issue on the state's policy agenda. AARP is convening a group of stakeholder groups to explore transporting the public. Initially, they will work to identify principles and create a vision for a statewide system while engaging a broad cross-section of Vermont agencies, institutions and organizations in the transformation process.

"We're working with several organizations that believe some action is needed in this area and the survey findings show that Vermonters support that view as well," said Greg Marchildon, AARP Vermont state director. "This is a complex subject that seems to have been overlooked to date by policymakers and others. As a convener of this process, AARP ultimately aims to engage policymakers, legislators and the Governor's administration as we put together a roadmap to better serve the transportation needs of Vermonters."

AARP Vermont commissioned Pacific Market Research to conduct telephone interviews with 800 Vermont residents age 18 and older in December, 2008. The results of the survey are detailed in the final report.

For a full copy of the report go to: www.aarp.org/vttransportation.