F.A.S.T. (funding accelerator for seniors transportation) Track is a national initiative supporting transportation innovation, funded through a philanthropic Anonymous Donor and led by HelpAge Canada.
F.A.S.T. Track harnesses the collaboration of other national thought-leaders, experts in aging and transportation as well as community consultation with the goal of accelerating the development of innovative transportation solutions for older Canadians.
It’s time to kick our transportation systems into high gear.
Older Canadians are struggling to get from point A to point B due to patchwork transportation systems that don’t meet their needs.
As we get older, we rely on transportation for some of our most urgent needs. Yet studies show that only 6% of Canadian seniors use public transit as their main mode of transportation due to lack of accessibility and other barriers.
When older people can’t get around easily, their overall health and quality of life suffers. They’re tired of waiting for the transportation solutions they need to live full and connected lives.
The road to better seniors’ transportation starts here
The goal of F.A.S.T. Track is simple: identify forward-thinking solutions for transportation that meets the needs of older Canadians, and get them off the ground and on the road.
Municipalities, community groups and companies with innovative solutions submit their proposals, which are then evaluated by a national network of transportation and aging experts.
Winning solutions are rewarded with a monetary prize, national exposure and industry recognition, fast tracking their launch and promoting sustainability. Everyone wins—especially seniors.
Seniors transportation stats
do not use public transportation due to availability, accessibility and other barriers
experience social isolation due to the inability to access a ride
reported unmet transportation needs in the past 6 months
have primarily Indigenous populations facing disproportionate and distinctive transportation challenges for older adults