Current Research

MARD's Past and Current Research Activities

  • Provincial and regional surveys on perceptions and use of alternate transportation services;
  • Analysis of ride-scheduling software to promote efficiency and increase capacity in delivery of alternate transportation for seniors in rural and urban communities;
  • Validation of a Transportation Toolkit for implementation of alternate transportation for seniors in rural and urban Alberta;
  • Examination of the predictors of social isolation in seniors with a focus on transportation mobility;
  • Initiating and collaborating on rural and remote pilots on the development and implementation of alternate transportation for seniors and persons with disabilities;
  • Updating the Provincial Listing of alternate transportation for seniors service providers in rural and urban Alberta and assessing the changes in service provision between 2009 and 2018;
  • Conducting a cost-benefit analysis on ATS services;
  • Assessing the effects of specialized Driving Cessation Support Groups for individuals with dementia and their caregivers; and
  • Ongoing awareness and physician support for assessing cognitive impairment and driving competence (the SIMARD MD).

MARD's Alternate Transportation Pilot Projects

Over the years, MARD has worked with several communities throughout Alberta on various alternate transportation for seniors (ATS) pilot projects including the development and implementation of ATS services in rural and remote communities, the implementation of ride-scheduling software, and the validation of the Transportation Toolkit.

  • 2013 - 2014: ATS Rural Alberta Pilot Project (Wainwright)
  • 2016 - 2017: Implementation and Assessment of Ride-Scheduling Software for ATS - Alberta Small Communities Pilot Project (Wetaskiwin)
  • 2017: Implementing and Assessing ATS - Validation of the Transportation Toolkit for the Implementation of ATS in Alberta (Pincher Creek)
  • 2017 - 2019: Remote Regional ATS Project (Big Lakes County)
  • 2018 - 2019: Rural Regional ATS Projects (West Yellowhead & Sturgeon Regions)