Taking the stress out of transit

Green Venture and the Hamilton Public Library want to drive the stress out of public transit for older adults.

The library and local environmental outreach organization are partnering for a special presentation called Totally Transit for Older Adults.

The Red Hill Library, 695 Queenston Rd., will host a workshop focusing on the city’s transit services Sept. 12 at 10:30 a.m. The session includes a guided tour of an HSR bus, along with a short trip. A representative from New Hope Community Bikes will promote the benefits of combining cycling and public transit by taking advantage of bike racks on HSR buses.

Program facilitator David Hart Dyke from Green Venture said some older adults may have some misconceptions about public transit.

“The biggest barrier to people is they’re afraid they’re going to walk up to a bus stop and keep everybody waiting,” Hart Dyke said.

Workshop participants can learn about accessibility ramps and programs for seniors, such as discounted rates for people 65 and older and the free Golden Age bus pass for riders 80 and older with the purchase of a $6 Presto card.

Hart Dyke acknowledges that for many seniors, the decision to give up driving can be extremely difficult.

The Totally Transit workshop lasts about one hour. The program is free of charge. For more information, call the Red Hill Library at 905-546-2069.