AARP, Uber Work Together to Increase Access to Mobility Options for Sarasota Residents
-Nearly 100 Attended Roundtable Event on Mobility –
(Sarasota, Fla.) – Today nearly 100 people gathered to hear from experts at a roundtable event on how new technologies are creating more options for transportation, community, and living for people of all ages. Speakers included Dr. Kathy Black, Professor of Aging Studies and Social Work at the University of South Florida, Sarasota-Manatee and The Patterson Foundation Initiative Consultant, Age-Friendly Sarasota; Jeff Johnson, Florida Director for AARP; and Stephanie Smith, Public Policy Director for Uber Florida.
More than 46 percent of households in Sarasota County include individuals 65 years or older. Interestingly, nearly 20 percent of households include individuals under 18. That’s why it’s important for Sarasota to have diverse transportation options that address many different needs and take into consideration a varied age population.
“AARP is pleased to work with Uber to bring our combined insights to Sarasota on how technological change, the sharing economy and other innovations are transforming the lives of people age 50-plus, not only in Sarasota but throughout America,” said Jeff Johnson, AARP’s Florida state director. “While we face many challenges in the future, we’re also on the cusp of exciting new opportunities for people of every age.”
“Florida has a unique combination of generations living and working beside one another, and the community would benefit from a range of transportation options that meet the needs and preferences of residents of all ages,” said Dr. Kathy Black, Professor at the University of South Florida, Sarasota-Manatee and The Patterson Foundation Initiative Consultant, Age-Friendly Sarasota. “Ridesharing provides practical options to help older Floridians stay connected and enhances their ability to age-in-place.”
“According to the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA), it’s estimated that 26 million older Americans depend on others for mobility,” said Stephanie Smith, Public Policy Director, Uber Florida. “It is our goal to help communities rethink mobility options across all generations, and unlock the new ways ridesharing technology can improve day-to-day lives.”
To meet the needs of all riders for better, safer, and affordable transportation options, Uber has partnered with organizations including AARP, senior advocates, and municipalities across the State of Florida. Uber most recently worked with the City of Gainesville to offer on-demand transportation for residents and free technology tutorials so residents could feel comfortable and at ease using the app. Uber expects to expand this pilot program to other Florida cities.
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About AARP
Updated February 23, 2016: AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million that helps people turn their goals and dreams into ‘Real Possibilities’ by changing the way America defines aging. With staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to strengthen communities and promote the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare security, financial security and personal fulfillment. AARP also advocates for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the world’s largest circulation magazine, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @aarp and our CEO @JoAnn_Jenkins on Twitter.
About Uber
Uber is evolving the way Florida moves. By seamlessly connecting riders to drivers through our apps, we make communities more accessible, opening up more possibilities for riders and more business for drivers.
