Taking the fear out of using public transportation

Approximately 300 individuals, ages 60 or older, use Sandusky Transit System (STS) to get around Erie County. Some use it rarely, i.e., when their car breaks down or to get to a doctor's appointment; others use it as the primary source of transportation. The number of trips scheduled for these 300 older adults ranges from 1,107/month to 1,626/month.300 is a small number of older adults using public transit, considering there are over 23,000 residents in this age group. Plus, communities are so car-dependent if people are to get where they need to go. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) recognizes that Ohio has a large proportion of older drivers. Age can be accompanied by health problems that impair safe driving, like loss of vision, reduced reaction time and cognitive impairment. To address this issue ODOT has funded "Mobility Managers" to help people – of all ages – become familiar with finding the best transportation options for their needs.Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (GLCAP) employs the Mobility Management Staff, which serves a six county area – Erie, Huron, Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca, and Wood counties. They offer "travel training" and "rider assistance" and their help is free of charge.For Erie County older adults, travel training means the Mobility Managers take the time to find out where an individual needs to go and how to get there. They also teach how to schedule an appointment to ride on STS and how to read the STS bus schedule; they explain bus fares, bus rules associated with using STS, and boarding and exiting vehicles using wheelchairs and other mobility devices (if applicable). Best of all, Mobility Managers will ride with the person learning to use STS and continue doing so until he/she feels confident enough to complete the trip on their own.Anyone 60 and older would be wise to take advantage of travel training, while it lasts. Even if you don't need to use public transit today, one never knows what tomorrow can bring. Travel Training can be completed one-on-one or within small groups. So, if you prefer, learn how to use STS with your friends. For more information call the mobility managers directly — Kristen Gerwin at 419-333-5081, Alyssa Buccione at 419-332-2028, or Kelly Hammond at 419-333-6075 and request their help. It's proactive and it's a smart thing to do if you are determined to maintain your independence as you grow older in Erie County.Q: Do I have to make reservations to attend the Low Vision Techno Expo on July 19, 2019?A: No. The Techno Expo at the Erie County Senior Center, 620 E. Water St., Sandusky, does not require reservations. If you want to eat lunch and listen to the 20 minute talk/presentation, reservations are required to ensure enough food is prepared. Call May McClure, Director, for more information at 419-626-2560.