Abstract
The nation and the state of California are facing a growing crisis: they must address the growing deterioration of existing infrastructure and related services, while providing increased services and infrastructure improvements to a constantly expanding population. Transportation is one of the critical infrastructure needs of the country and the state. Throughout the state of California, the needs for road and bridge repairs, transit services and other critical transportation improvements are staggering. As California’s population continues to grow, one segment of the population continues to emerge. Older Californians represented by the baby boomers who are new approaching retirement age, will continue to have rising transportation needs that will require accessibility to seniors of all ages, incomes, and abilities. This study is based on best practices and case study research conducted by the author. The research outlined and evaluated successful senior transportation practices nationwide. I also conducted a case study of senior transportation options available in the City of Oakland, California and the City of Portland, Oregon. The best practices research approach helped to identify current and past efforts in senior mobility and transportation, and apply the more effective practices to the City of Oakland. A team of evaluators examined a set of best practices that surfaced in existing research and other publications.