Seniors and Public Transportation

Do you use public transportation often? This article explores many common forms of transportation and offers friendly reminders and tips to be mindful of during your next outing.

Safety Tips for Seniors Using Public Transportation

Take special care when using public transportation

By Sharon O'Brien, About.com Guide

Whether you’re in your home city or on vacation, public transportation can be a good way to travel. In most cities, public transportation is much easier, less stressful and more cost-effective than traveling by car or taxi.

Special Challenges for Seniors Using Public Transportation
As many seniors get older, they notice a loss of balance, strength, or dexterity, making them more vulnerable to injuries. If you are experiencing these changes, the following tips can help:

Public Transportation Safety Tips

1. When you enter or leave a vehicle, watch for slippery or uneven pavement and other hazards that could cause you to fall or twist an ankle.
2. Have your bus fare ready to avoid losing your balance while you look for correct change.
3. When you enter or leave a subway car, be sure to “mind the gap” as they say in London. There is a gap between the edge of the train platform and the subway door. Watch your step.

Seniors see 1.3% increase in Old Age Security benefits

Old Age Security benefit rates increase for the July-September quarter

Last month, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada announced the quarterly benefit rates for Old Age Security (OAS), effective July to September 2011.

As of July 1, the basic OAS pension benefit, paid to people 65 years of age and older, will be $533.70 per month.


This represents an increase of 1.3 percent. Payments under the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and the Allowances will also increase by 1.3 percent. Beginning this month, seniors with little or no income will receive a new GIS top-up benefit of up to $600 for single seniors and $840 for couples. This additional annual benefit is part of Budget 2011.

For further information, please consult the Human Resources and Skills Development Canada website at www.hrsdc.gc.ca.

Source URL: http://news.gc.ca/web/article-eng.do?m=%2Findex&nid=609809