Many persons feel they cannot relinquish their license even though they may know that their driving skills are compromised. We have a culture that equates owning and driving a personal vehicle with personal freedom and independence. As one begins losing the skills which enables him to drive safely, the loss of ability to be able to get where one needs to go is a critical loss. Without adequate and efficient transportation systems in the entire metropolitan and rural area many individuals are forced to drive or remain isolated at home. Additionally, many low income elders do not have access to a personal automobile and live outside the designated areas for the established transportation system.
Isolation is increased.
Encourage private enterprise to establish comprehensive transportation systems. Reduce the disincentives to implementing such a plan. Encourage a user friendly system for all potential users not just impaired elders. Allow system to generate revenue to offset expenses while encouraging low income sliding scale. Provide incentives to insurance companies to offer low cost liability insurance for this enterprise.