2025 | Flash Funding | Mitigating Transportation Barriers to Healthcare for Rural Older Adults

FLASH FUNDED PROJECT | Whole Health Consortium

Mitigating Transportation Barriers to Healthcare for Rural Older Adults

TEAM:

• Junghwan Kim – Department of Geography, Virginia Tech
• Charlie Klauer – Virginia Tech Transportation Institute and Grado Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering
• Shirley Sorrentino – Franklin County Non-Emergency Transportation Services (NETS)
• Kim Carter – Franklin County Non-Emergency Transportation Services (NETS)

This project addresses a critical challenge in rural health: limited access to healthcare due to transportation barriers, particularly among older adults. Traditional solutions like expanding fixed-route public transit are often impractical in rural areas. Dr. Junghwan Kim and his team propose exploring autonomous shuttle buses as a cost-effective and scalable alternative. Building on a recent pilot study conducted at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, the team aims to assess community acceptance of autonomous vehicles and develop use-case research that reflects the lived experiences of rural residents.

Through a new partnership with Franklin County NETS, the team will conduct interviews with community members to understand transportation needs and perceptions. Monthly coordination meetings will support collaboration and ensure alignment with local priorities. The project also includes a literature review and identification of external funding opportunities to support future research. Rooted in the Whole Health approach, this initiative integrates community voices and emphasizes holistic well-being, with the goal of laying the groundwork for sustainable, community-driven transportation solutions.