The Transit Education Program provides a unique opportunity for seniors in Seattle to learn and develop transit riding skills through transit-oriented field trips co-hosted by Hopelink and SDOT. We partner with different senior and community centers every year to provide transit-oriented field trips to participants. This program is funded by the Seattle Transit Measure.
A group of seniors ride the Elliott Bay Water Taxi for a field trip to Alki Beach.
Background & History
In 2019, we launched the Senior Transit Program, formerly called the Regional Reduced Fare Permit (RRFP) Program, to provide older adults and riders with disabilities affordable access and education for transportation in the Puget Sound region. We prioritize partnering with a wider range of senior and community centers across Seattle and focus on transit-oriented education.
What do we do?
We partner with the non-profit Hopelink and different senior and community centers each year to put on culturally-centered and language-appropriate transit-oriented educational opportunities for older adults. This helps seniors gain confidence in navigating our city's burgeoning transit system and learn about places they can get to using transit. We work directly with community to determine what destinations matter most to each group of riders and curate a field trip to meet their needs. We offer a meal during every field trip and interpreters to ensure everyone participating can learn how to ride transit!
In 2024, we partnered with the Central Area Senior Center, Vietnamese Senior Association, and Kin On Community Center. Field trip destinations include locations that seniors can access at low or no cost with the use of the Gold Card offered by Age Friendly Seattle. Field trip destinations have included the Seattle Aquarium, Woodland Park Zoo, The Burke Museum, Alki Beach via Water Taxi, and more.