Commission on Aging to explore transportation and other issues with pair of studies

One study will look at public and community transportation options around the state. (Getty Images)

The state’s Commission on Aging is launching two studies it hopes will make New Hampshire a better place for older residents, people with disabilities, and overlooked populations to live.

One study will look at public and community transportation options around the state and identify gaps that make it difficult to get to medical appointments, jobs, grocery stores, and other necessary locations. Researchers will also look at existing state and federal transportation funding.

The commission hopes the findings will guide transportation-related policy and program decisions made by state agencies; lawmakers who decide funding; local governments; and community-based organizations that run transportation services.

One new initiative is already underway. Keep NH Moving, keepnhmoving.com , a new website created by aging and transportation advocacy groups, allows individuals to search for community and regional transportation options. The site indicates which are free and which accommodate wheelchairs.

“Even before New Hampshire began to experience the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, ‘having transportation options’ was repeatedly reported as a top concern by older adults in surveys about aging in their community,” the commission wrote in its request seeking an organization to lead the project. “Since COVID-19, our transportation system has been significantly strained with driver shortages, fluctuating ridership, and corresponding revenue challenges.”

With its second study, the commission wants to create a “multisector plan” for aging that will guide a broader range of aging-related policy and program decisions. Issues include healthy aging; independent living; social engagement; and access to basic needs such as health care and housing.

The commission is accepting proposals until Thursday from organizations to carry out both studies. They will be funded through federal pandemic dollars. In both cases, the research must include public meetings, focus groups, stakeholder interviews, social media and online engagement, and targeted outreach to hard-to-reach populations.

“The commission is very excited for this work to happen,” said Executive Director Rebecca Sky.