ADVOCACY Why the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Matters For many older adults in Pima County, staying connected to their community comes down to something simple: being able to get where they need to go. Across communities in our Neighbors Care Alliance (NCA), transportation remains one of the most requested services, and volunteer drivers are truly the backbone of that support. What’s on the Ballot • Proposition 418: Approves the new regional transportation plan, known as RTA Next. • Proposition 419: Continues the existing half-cent sales tax that funds the plan (no tax increase). These two measures work together, and both must pass to keep the volunteer driver programs and neighborhood transportation services that our older adults rely on. The Impact of Volunteer Drivers by the Numbers for July 2024 to June 2025 • Total number of miles driven: 530,961.6 miles (not all miles driven are reimbursed). • Total miles reimbursed through RTA funding: 354,881.6 miles • Total reimbursement provided to volunteers: $239,395.36 These numbers represent thousands of medical appointments, grocery trips, wellness checks, and social visits. They represent friendships formed, independence preserved, and
communities strengthened. Most importantly, they show just how essential RTA support is to keep these neighborhood programs running. Dorothy’s Story: A Life Made Easier by Neighbors and the RTA Dorothy, an 83-year-old widow, lives alone in a quiet neighborhood. The nearest bus stop is over a mile away, and the uneven sidewalks leading there make walking unsafe. Each week, volunteer drivers pick her up for medical appointments, her weekly fellowship lunch,
• Neighborhoods will see safer crosswalks, better lighting, and more accessible walking routes. • Older adults will be better able to stay independent, connected, and supported. Helping Our Region Age Well Mobility is more than transportation. For older adults, it means: • Independence • Connection to others • Access to health care and daily essentials • Safety and stability in aging The RTA has been a quiet but essential partner in helping our community age well. As we look toward the upcoming election, we hope our readers will take time to learn about Propositions 418 and 419 and their importance to the volunteers and neighbors who make the Neighbors Care Alliance possible. ◆
and for grocery trips when needed. “I look forward to Thursdays,” Dorothy shared. “My drivers don’t just take me places; they help me stay connected to the community.” Her volunteers often travel 30–40 miles a week to support her. Thanks to RTA-funded mileage reimbursement, they can continue offering that support without facing financial strain. Why Propositions 418 and 419 Matter to Older Adults If Propositions 418 and 419 are approved: • NCA volunteer driver programs will continue receiving mileage reimbursement. • Roadway improvements will help volunteers safely reach older adults throughout Pima County.
January & February 2026, Never Too Late | Page 13
Pima Council on Aging
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