Evaluation of a volunteer transportation program that supports age-friendly rural communities

Abstract

Introduction

Many rural residents have difficulty accessing healthcare services and community programs due to inadequate or non-existent access to alternative transportation (e.g., taxis, private transportation companies, and public transportation services). To address this issue, one community in a province in midwestern Canada developed a rural volunteer transportation program (VTP).

Methods

This study used mixed methods (i.e., quantitative and qualitative data) to conduct a process evaluation. The VTP was implemented in 2019 to supply transportation to residents within the rural community and its surrounding areas to access non-emergency medical and wellness appointments in major cities of the province. This study consisted of document reviews of the VTP's operation, surveys of residents and shuttle users, and interviews with volunteer drivers of the VTP and community residents.

Results

Over four years of operation, the VTP has sustained services, delivering 326 trips to 117 residents who were mostly older adult women with chronic disease and mobility limitations. Residents using the VTP were satisfied and would recommend the transportation service to others, as the most available and affordable non-profit inter-community alternative transportation option in their rural community. The VTP positively impacted the social relations of volunteers and the health, well-being, and social relations of community residents.

Conclusions

The findings of this study can inform existing rural VTPs on how to evaluate their operation and services.