For many older Canadians, staying independent means more than just living at home – it means being able to get out into the community, see friends, run errands, and keep up with health appointments. While some continue to drive, there will come a time for most of us when driving is no longer safe or practical. Public transit plays an important role in supporting independence and often, it means the difference between being able to stay in a familiar neighbourhood or having to move. Public transit offers a flexible, affordable way to stay active and connected – but only if the system truly works for older adults.
Recent research shows where Canada’s public transportation is helping, and where it needs to improve, to better support healthy, independent aging.
Why Transportation Matters So Much
Without reliable transportation, even everyday tasks like going to the grocery store or visiting a friend can become challenging. Over time, these obstacles can lead to isolation, missed medical care, and even earlier moves into long-term care – adding not just personal stress but financial strain to the healthcare system.
On the flip side, when transit is accessible, older adults are more likely to stay active, connected, and confident in their ability to age in place.
As Merrina Zhang from the National Research Council of Canada puts it, public transit isn’t just about getting from point A to B. It’s a foundation for autonomy, well-being, and a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
What Older Adults Are Saying
A national research partnership – including the NRC, McGill University, and older adults with lived experience – asked older Canadians what they really need from public transit. Participants across six cities (Toronto, Montréal, Vancouver, Halifax, Victoria, and Saskatoon) shared both the benefits and the barriers they experience.
Here’s what they told researchers:
- Getting on and off matters: Older adults value stops and stations that are easy to find, reach and use – especially if mobility is an issue.
- Travel is different after retirement: Many older adults travel during quieter times of the day, take shorter trips and don’t always follow the routes designed for 9-to-5 commuters.
- It’s not just about the service – it’s about how it feels: Even when transit works well, if someone doesn’t feel safe, confident or welcome, they may avoid it.
- Housing and transit go hand in hand: While access to transit matters, housing affordability often drives where people live – even if that means sacrificing convenience.
Creating Age-Friendly Communities Together
The NRC’s Aging in Place Challenge program highlights that communities need to evolve – physically and socially – to support older adults at every stage of life. That includes thoughtful transit design.
What does that look like?
- Routes that are accessible to everyone
- Clearly marked, well-lit stops
- Services that match the rhythms of older adults’ lives
- A welcoming experience that encourages use
These improvements don’t just help older Canadians – they benefit parents with strollers, people with disabilities and anyone who values a more livable community.
As Professor Ahmed El-Geneidy from McGill University explains, collaboration is key. When researchers, transit agencies and community members work together, we create transportation systems that serve real people with real needs.
Looking Ahead with Purpose
“When older adults can use public transit safely and comfortably, they stay engaged and continue contributing to their communities,” says Merrina Zhang. And that’s something that benefits all of us.
Patricia Debergue, Director of the Aging in Place Challenge program, reminds us that recognizing the barriers older adults face leads to smart, inclusive design solutions.
By investing in transit that’s built with aging in mind, we’re not just improving access – we’re strengthening communities, supporting independence, and making it easier for all Canadians to live with dignity and purpose. For those who are wrestling with the idea of giving up their car, having a well-developed transit system may just be the thing that tips the balance.
Add Your Voice
0 Comments
Join the Discussion