TONS Helps Seniors Across Manitoba Access Transportation

Story by: ELLISPark.co I Nov. 24, 2023

In 2008, a group of volunteers concerned with the inadequacies of transportation options for older adults across Manitoba came together to form the not-for-profit Seniors Transportation Working Group (now called TONS). Over the past 15 years, TONS has been giving older adults a voice around the needs for adequate transportation, especially in rural communities.

With a mission to strengthen programs and transportation services for seniors, TONS brings individuals together at the grassroots level to drive change. Resources and new ideas are shared at regular lunch and learns, and TONS is doing advocacy work in rural areas to give more profile to the importance of volunteer drivers, including providing an online sign-up for interested drivers. The group is also helping organizations like Age-Friendly Manitoba develop transportation strategies.

In September, TONS hosted its first-ever Mobility Fair for Seniors. Held in collaboration with Green Action Centre, the fair was a one-day event designed to educate older adults about transportation options, including route planning tips and more. Attendees also got to test out a variety of mobility aids like scooters and adaptive bikes. TONS arranged for a live “how to use transit” walk-through of an actual Winnipeg Transit bus, where attendees learned safety tips and about the many accessibility features.

For more information, go to tonsmb.org.