Get on Board is also published as a booklet.pdf available on LTC website

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1 2.1.1 Encourage community partners to engage London Transit Commission through the Get On Board program to educate Londoners on how to use the bus system (current initiative)(year 1 to 3) Current Get On Board initiative: Existing LTC program to help make LTC accessible, informative, and encourage use of public transit and is available on an as requested basis Get on Board is generally an engagement program for first time transit users, i.e. newcomers to London/Canada but can be delivered to other groups as requested Get on Board is also published as a booklet.pdf available on LTC website Some outreach has also been done through the London Intercommunity Health Centre (LIHC) with specialized transit New drivers go through training with APTSAC LTC has recently completed training video targeting courtesy and priority seating issues Increase awareness of existing Get on Board supports through the Age Friendly London Network Include this program information on the thehealthline.ca so it is included in the print version of the Seniors Scene Review and potentially update the Get on Board program and booklet with a seniors lens Organize a meeting with LTC customer service rep J.K. and develop a plan on how to review the Get on Board document/training program from an age friendly perspective (including collecting feedback from working group, Network etc.) Ensure Get on Board information is included in the online healthline.ca Review Got on Board Booklet through age friendly lens Find SCA document created by UWO Students T.C T.C. All members MS

2 2.1.2 Improve London Transit Commission communication strategies to consider older adult and multi-language needs (route information, signage, web site etc.) (Year 2 and 3) Related to Communication and Information and 7.1.3, Coordinate efforts around access to information within the community and Identify what information older adults are looking for and how they prefer to access information Get On Board document currently only available in English London Intercommunity Health Centre provides some one-on-one support and training for newcomers, but does not publish translated materials. Cross Cultural learning Centre offers settlement services to newcomers and refugees, as well as other translation services for a fee, but does not have published transit-related materials in multiple languages. Individuals who require transit information in other languages are encouraged in the Get on Board booklet to contact the Cross Cultural Learning Centre Follow up with CCLC to learn more about the specific services they offer related to transit information Investigate possibility of using volunteers who speak multiple languages to assist with booking specialized transit Make connection between existing organizations/programs that offer multi-language information or translation services with the LTC Customer service manager, so they understand the training programs that are available if they can provide the language support Find out the top languages spoken by older adults in London Done Connect with LIHC/CCLC re: existing multi-language resources see above Re-establish linkages with CCLC to ensure availability of language supports M.D. TC Investigate top languages spoken by older adults in London and report back to group DB and MD

3 2.1.3 Develop a comprehensive document and raise awareness of the transportation supports available to older adults in the community (current initiative) (Year 1) Related to Communication and Information and 7.1.3, Coordinate efforts around access to information within the community and Identify what information older adults are looking for and how they prefer to access information Existing sources of information on transportation supports: -southwesthealthline.ca -SCA London & Area Information Co-chair provided committee with copy of London & Area Information brochure from the Seniors Community Association for review and possible incorporation into Spectrum magazine o Discuss utility of updating the SCA transportation document o Is it different from information available on healthline.ca and to be included in Seniors Scene print version? Healthline.ca o Scan web site and ensure all the information contained within the previous SCA is available on the site o Ensure partner transportation information on healthline.ca is accurate and up-to-date connect with the partners if necessary to update the information Encourage City of London Parks and Recreation Dept to provide information on supports available to get people to Spectrum programs drive them to the go to place (healthline.ca?) Advocate to include information on transportation supports in the next Spectrum catalogue Provide feedback on healthline.ca website in terms of ease to navigate and find information on transportation supports Review SCA Guide against healthline.ca website. Identify any information that is in SCA Guide that is missing from healthline.ca. Update healthline.ca with any missing transportation support information by connecting with transportation providers to include their information on the web site Investigate possibility of advertising where to go for transportation supports in Spectrum program guide All members MS MS MD

4 2.2.1 Work with the London Transit Commission to hold yearly Town Hall meetings (in different locations around the city) to discuss various transit topics and hear feedback from residents (Year 1 to 3) LTC started holding town hall meetings in 2012 Next Town Hall meeting will be in April 22 nd, 2:00 pm 4:00 pm and 6:00pm 8:00 pm at the Goodwill centre Share Town Hall meeting schedule with the Age Friendly London Network and ask to share widely with their own networks If enough interest a specific Town Hall meeting could be held for older adults at a place like Kiwanis or Hamilton Road Seniors Community Centres Potential to connect with older adults at Network meetings if there are specific issues LTC would like feedback on Ensure that information on Town Hall meetings is easy to find and accessible on LTC website Organize a Town Hall meeting specifically for older adults Post schedule for 2014 Town Hall Meetings Encourage attendance at meetings through AFLN Done Get or create flyer/hand out on next Town Hall meeting and distribute at March 4 th network meeting T.C. T.C. All members TC MD

5 2.2.2 Encourage older adult representation on the Accessible Public Transit Service Advisory Committee (Year 1 to 3) No -B.Q., Chair of LTC Accessible Public Transit Service Advisory Committee, is a working group member Request the LTC add specific older adult representative to their Terms of Reference for the committee if not already a requirement Continue to encourage older adult participation in APTSAC Get regular updates from the APTSAC member on issues being discussed Done Recruit an older adult representative from APTSAC B.Q., a member of this committee, is co-chair of APTSAC. Verify if Terms of Reference formally specify the membership of an older adult TC BQ

6 2.4.1 Investigate ways to improve affordability of public transit for older adults and persons with disabilities (i.e., ideas like a means test basing subsidy on ability to pay etc.) (Year 2 and 3) Investigate and consider non-peak free/nominal fares for older adults (Year 2) A Public Transit Study on affordability is currently underway by City of London s Neighbourhood, Children and Fire Services. Study team includes members of the Accessible Public Transit Service Advisory Committee (BQ) and Council for London Seniors Promote to Year 1 activity since the Study is underway BQ to provide update to group and identify any public consultations where the Network could provide input or comments Provide update to Working group on the ongoing Transit Study BQ

7 2.4.3 Develop education and training programs for all drivers (public transportation and taxi drivers etc). on how to be sensitive to older adult needs (ex. general needs of an aging population, disability, mental health etc.) and how to handle those with support needs) (Year 1 to 3) LTC provides extensive training for operators in areas of accommodating older adults, persons with disabilities, etc. LTC offers training program for LTC operators as well as refresher courses every 24 months Gerontology in Practice Students in 2011 created a training video for transport drivers at Dearness or Parkwood? LTC created a training video to educate LTC staff on Courtesy & Priority seating policy Other resources may already exist re: dementia, mental health, anxiety, disability LTC Inspectors have also received training from mental health professionals (include information on specifics of this training who was contact at CMHA) Committee must engage taxi licencing group to develop training for taxi industry (assuming that it isn t already provided). Ensure inclusion of Specialized Transit Services such as Paratransit/Patient Transfer Service in education and training programs Create and disseminate resources for education and training of drivers and transit operators Connect with office responsible for licensing cab drivers Complete and share LTC training video Share information on mental health training sessions and make it accessible to all drivers/ltc operators/taxi drivers Connect with Voyageur regarding current Paratransit protocol and training/education programs for drivers While in the process of contacting and reviewing transit providers (for SCA London & Area Information and healthline.ca), find out if they provide any training on special needs Compile list of available training resources for transportation operators, following review Find Gerontology in Practice 2011 video Propose a student project for Fall 2014 to develop general training video T.C. TC TC All Members All members DB DB

8 2.5.1 Improve pedestrian safety at crossings by installing countdowns and longer cross times in areas where large numbers of older adults live or access services (current initiative)(year 1 to 3) This is already happening. All intersection rebuilds now include upgraded crossing signals with countdown warnings, as well as tactile surfaces at the approaches to crosswalks. AODA does not require pedestrian countdown signals. However, pedestrian countdown signals are being installed at all traffic signal rebuilds and also at select high priority locations. o Pedestrian crossing times are being increased by using a slower walking pace in the traffic signal timing calculations. Crossing speed assumption has been revised from 1.2m/s to 1.0 m/s to allow more time for crossing to be completed. o Cross times are even slower in certain areas such as Cherryhill As of end 2013 # of crosswalks with slower times out of total number of crosswalks in London AODA required tactile pads will be installed by 2016 Discussion at committee that the City of London has already taken steps to improve safety: installation of countdown timers, tactile surfaces at sidewalk approaches, etc. Working group can support the awareness of these improvements and monitor their development Working group can aim to influence priorities on implementing AODA guidelines and cross times Report on # signalized intersections, # with count downs, # with slower cross times Create a new map of where seniors live in the city in order to help determine priorities for cross walk upgrades DM DB and MD

9 2.5.2 Petition the Province to change traffic laws that will allow the City to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety at roundabouts (current initiative) (Year 1) The City of London was one of a group of municipalities who have participated in the creation of a draft Ontario Traffic Manual Book 15 with the Ministry of. The Manual is titled Pedestrian Crossing Facilities and is focussed on pedestrian safety. This work is ongoing Group efforts have been undertaken to lobby the Provincial Minister of to modify the Highway Traffic Act to improve pedestrian safety and enhance safety. This would expand pedestrian rights so they are in line with Provincial legislation in other Canadian provinces and provide Municipalities with additional tools for pedestrian crossings. Participate in group lobbying efforts and acts as advocates Ongoing Disseminate information on current lobbying efforts Ongoing Update group on City s efforts to lobby the Province Connect with other Age Friendly communities in Ontario, coordinate lobbying efforts surrounding age friendly transportation and improved roundabout safety All members DM MD and DB

10 2.5.3 Increase, improve and maintain bike lanes and bike paths throughout the city (current initiative) (year 1 to 3) The installation of bike infrastructure in London is guided by London s Bicycle Master Plan. Bike lanes are installed annually with most road widenings and also stand-alone bike lane projects budget approved increase to $200,000 allocation for bike lane projects 9 kilometres of bike lanes were installed in City staff reported back to City Council on possibly developing another advisory committee focussed on cycling. Council supported the proposal ReThink London (Official Plan review) stresses the impact of alternate modes of transportation including biking in its redevelopment Find out # kms of paths and bike lanes (separated and not separated) DM

11 2.5.4 Investigate and implement a car sharing program (year 3) New car sharing program is under development in London Car sharing is a third party business opportunity that is appearing in numerous cities. Currently staff is aware of a small program that has been established at a London student apartment building. AFLN may be able to influence location of car sharing stations Connect with RC regarding status of car sharing program MD

12 2.5.6 Provide more bicycle parking with lockups downtown and in other areas of the city (Year 1) Bike racks have been installed at several business areas by the City s Environmental Services Department. 10 racks and 15 rings have been installed in 2013 There are currently site plan requirements for large apartment projects in the downtown for bike lockups to follow-up Confirm planning requirement for bike lockups in apartment site plans DB

13 2.5.7 Investigate effectiveness of current traffic calming measures and identify specific sites for future traffic calming (Year 2) New Neighbourhood Traffic Calming Policy has been developed City Planning & Design receives many traffic calming requests. A policy to receive community input and achieve support was approved in early An annual program valued at $125,000 exists. Associated with this is a 10-year listing of prioritized locations. Council recently requested that the annual budget be increased slightly to reduce the wait time. The performance of installed measures are regularly reviewed.

14 2.6.1 Investigate and implement priority parking for seniors (locations and time limits) (also Age Friendly Business) (Year 2) Outdoor Spaces and Buildings 1.8 Investigate Age-Friendly Business practices Further investigation can be undertaken in Year 2 to explore opportunities. This would be a private lot consideration-based initiative because enforcement would not be possible due to a lack of associated legislation. Technological challenges would also exist at parking meters. AODA requires 5% of parking stalls be accessible.

15 2.6.2 Advocate malls and hospitals to set aside parking spaces for seniors only parking (Year 1) Working group to determine: What have other communities done surrounding seniors only parking? What are the models and best practices? Research what is being done in other communities All members

16 2.6.4 Consider longer maximum times on downtown parking meters (Year 1) This has been previously studied. Parking meters are intended for short-term use to maximize efficiency of the parking system and promote business and downtown viability. Offstreet lots provide longer parking durations. However, there have been complaints by seniors whose care providers need to park in available spaces and must stay longer than the two hour maximum. This also applies to people looking for parking near the hospitals Locate and share reports on parking studies Connect with South West LHIN regarding parking policies related to hospitals through the Senior Friendly Hospitals Framework. Bring attention to the issue of parking at hospitals with the LHIN Share results of previous parking studies with Network DM