Transportation and Getting Around in Vermont: AARP Resources and Advocacy

Why Transportation Is a Priority for AARP Vermont

For adults 50 and older across Vermont, access to transportation can determine whether they make it to a medical appointment, connect with family, or stay active in their community. Vermont's rural geography makes this challenge especially acute. Many parts of the state have limited or no fixed-route transit, leaving older adults and people with disabilities dependent on personal vehicles, volunteer drivers, or informal networks.

AARP Vermont works with residents, local leaders, and state policymakers to build a transportation system that serves people of all ages and abilities, in cities, small towns, and rural communities alike.

Current Initiatives

Keep Vermont Moving: Fund Public Transit. Vermont’s public transit system is at a breaking point, with rising costs, growing needs, and insufficient funding forcing service cuts that hit hardest on Vermonters with the fewest transportation options. Whether taking the bus across town or a shared ride system to the doctor, transit is essential in communities large and small - yet without dedicated, sustainable funding, our local economy and communities will be stuck in place.  

Failing to stabilize transit affects everyone. Businesses struggle to find workers. Communities lose residents - especially younger people - who want to live in a more accessible, affordable place. Older Vermonters lose independence and risk social isolation. Families face higher costs. Traffic increases, putting more pressure on already strained infrastructure.  

We cannot wait for more services to be cut. Vermont needs a strong transit system that gives everyone the freedom to get to where they need to go, strengthens our workforce and economy, and helps communities thrive. Sign our petition, saying you stand with Vermont’s public transit system and the Vermonters who depend on it, and call on our leaders to provide the dedicated, sustainable funding needed to keep Vermont moving.

AARP Vermont's Transportation Work at a Glance

AARP Vermont focuses its transportation efforts in three areas:

• Public transit funding: Advocating for strong state and federal investment so that transit services remain available and affordable for Vermont communities.
• Complete streets: Supporting road and sidewalk designs that are safe for people walking, biking, and using mobility aids, not only for drivers.
• Rural and volunteer-driver transit: Lifting up community-based transportation solutions that reach Vermonters in areas where fixed-route transit does not go.

These efforts are part of AARP's broader Livable Communities initiative, which works to make Vermont a great place to live, work, and get around at any age.

Transit Funding Fact Sheets for Vermont

AARP Vermont has developed fact sheets to help residents and advocates understand how public transit is funded in Vermont and what is at stake when that funding changes. These resources are designed for community members, town officials, and anyone working to make the case for stronger transit investment in Vermont.

Addressing Public Transportation Funding Shortfalls in Rural Vermont

Addressing Public Transportation Funding Shortfalls in Urban Vermont 

AARP Vermont Transportation and Transit Articles

The following articles cover AARP Vermont's current and ongoing work on transportation and transit. Each article addresses a specific issue affecting how Vermonters get around.

• Community Drivers: A Lifeline for Rural Transit in Vermont
• How Can We Improve Vermont's Complete Streets Policy?
• Recommendations on the Reclassification of State Highways
• Support Stronger Public Transit in Vermont
• Streets Are for Connection

Get Involved in Vermont Transportation Advocacy

Vermont residents and community partners can help shape the future of transportation in the state. Read AARP's articles and fact sheets, share them with local elected officials, and sign up to receive updates on transportation and livable community issues in Vermont.

To connect with AARP Vermont on transportation or other community issues, visit the AARP Vermont state page.