news&views Autumn2026 | Page 33

Assisted Transportation Program Statistics or wait-and-return services, helping riders safely attend appointments, access essential services, and continue participating in social life. The program even coordinates trips to bigger cities, otherwise inaccessible for those living in rural and remote communities.
Assisted Transportation Program Statistics or wait-and-return services, helping riders safely attend appointments, access essential services, and continue participating in social life. The program even coordinates trips to bigger cities, otherwise inaccessible for those living in rural and remote communities.
“ We often hear from our partner community organizations how they’ re seeing a real difference,” says Slavik.“ A number of older adults who were not making their medical appointments are now showing up regularly, and it’ s having a noticeable effect on their health and quality of life.”
For Jean Dickman, a retired teacher residing in the town of Sundre, the program has drastically improved her ability to get around. Without family in the area, she now has a reliable way to get where she needs to go several times a week, whether it’ s the bank, the dentist, or the pharmacy.
“ It’ s also a great social thing,” she says.“ Otherwise, you’ re a bit isolated.” She recalls that on Canada Day, someone generously covered the cost of assisted transportation so riders could travel anywhere they wished throughout the day, free of charge. According to Dickman, gestures like this aren’ t unusual— community members understand the impact of this program.
As the aging population in Alberta continues to grow, services like the Provincial Assisted Transportation Program are playing an increasingly important role in helping older adults remain in the communities they know and love.
This data provided by Healthy Aging Alberta is cumulative from October 2023 to September 2025 for nineteen funded organizations serving sixty-five communities.
Transportation in action

2,710

older Albertans served
Where riders needed to go

14,246

rides for social and basic needs
Close to home and beyond

12,821

rides take place in town

19,718

total rides provided

5,279

rides for medical appointments

6,840

rides help older adults travel out of town
Do you think the Assisted Transportation Program would benefit older adults in your area?
Connect with Healthy Aging Alberta at 403-441-2263 or info @ healthyagingalberta. ca to learn how you can be an advocate for this service in your community.
AUTUMN 2026 | 33