In a move to support San Antonio's aging population, District 7 Councilmember Marina Alderete Gavito has put forth a proposition that could vastly improve transportation access for seniors, aiming to aid their participation in essential services provided by the local senior centers. The Council Consideration Request, highlighted in the City of San Antonio recent news release, underscores a growing need for better accessibility as parts of the city continue to develop outward.
One of the critical changes recommended by Alderete Gavito involves the expansion of the free transportation zone from a five-mile to an eight-mile radius, this expansion considers not only regional growth but also the well-being of senior citizens ensuring they don't have to endure extended periods on public transit to reach the senior centers. In a statement obtained by the City of San Antonio's official website, Alderete Gavito expressed concern, stating, "Senior centers are lifelines for so many in our community, but too many residents are shut out simply because they live beyond an arbitrary five-mile boundary."
The proposal by Alderete Gavito comes as a response to statistics indicating the significant presence of seniors in Bexar County, with about a quarter of households having a member over 65 years old. It doesn't stop at expanding existing transportation options; the plan also suggests partnerships with VIA Metropolitan Transit to innovate where gaps exist and engagement with Bexar County officials to potentially share funding responsibilities. Moreover, the councilmember is looking into alternative financing avenues, such as state and federal grants, to prevent additional strain on the city’s general fund. These details echo sentiments expressed in the public announcement where the Councilmember stated, "Transportation should never be a barrier to connection," accordin to the City of San Antonio.
Currently, San Antonio operates 16 senior centers, which play a pivotal role in the day-to-day lives of older community members by providing nutrition, wellness, and avenues for social engagement, the Doris Griffin Senior Center in District 7, for example, caters to over 2,000 active participants, a testament to the importance of such facilities, as per the City of San Antonio. Alderete Gavito's proposal could not only increase accessibility but also serve as a model for other cities grappling with similar challenges of an aging demographic by ensuring that the city's senior population is not left behind but fully included in the life of our city.
