It Means I Was Still Independent”: A Qualitative Case Study of the Impacts of Free Transportation on Older Adults in Rural Saskatchewan
1
Community Health and Epidemiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Transportation is recognized as one of the major social determinants of health, especially for older adults residing in rural and remote areas with limited mobility options. The closure of the Saskatchewan Transport Company in May 2017 in Saskatchewan created significant gaps in intercity transit, making it difficult to travel from city to another for individuals who don’t have private vehicles. This paper explores the impact of a community based free transportation initiative established by the Kikinahk Friendship Centre in La Ronge, Saskatchewan, with a direct focus on how the free bus service affected the healthcare access and wellbeing of the older adults living in the area.
METHODS:
Data were collected using a qualitative case study design through 9 semi-structured interviews with older adults (65 years and older) and 6 conversation circles including community stakeholders, bus drivers, elders, and service users. Data analysis was conducted through thematic analysis using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework.
RESULTS:
Three fundamental themes emerged during the data analysis. First, free transportation was seen as an important tool that influences health and daily living, by enabling access to healthcare, shopping, and cultural participation for older adults living in LaRonge, Saskatchewan. Second, older adults who made use of the free bus service reported emotional benefits including enhanced autonomy, reduced stress, and improved sense of dignity. Finally, barriers to the free bus service were identified, such as lack of age-friendly bus designs, communication barriers, and inconsistency in financing the free bus service.
CONCLUSIONS:
The findings from this study highlight the significant impact of free transportation in reducing various structural health inequities and improving the quality of life for older adults living in rural areas. Having sustainable policy and stable funding mechanisms, improved communication, and age-friendly design are all essential to improving the effectiveness of the free bus service.
Transportation is recognized as one of the major social determinants of health, especially for older adults residing in rural and remote areas with limited mobility options. The closure of the Saskatchewan Transport Company in May 2017 in Saskatchewan created significant gaps in intercity transit, making it difficult to travel from city to another for individuals who don’t have private vehicles. This paper explores the impact of a community based free transportation initiative established by the Kikinahk Friendship Centre in La Ronge, Saskatchewan, with a direct focus on how the free bus service affected the healthcare access and wellbeing of the older adults living in the area.
METHODS:
Data were collected using a qualitative case study design through 9 semi-structured interviews with older adults (65 years and older) and 6 conversation circles including community stakeholders, bus drivers, elders, and service users. Data analysis was conducted through thematic analysis using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework.
RESULTS:
Three fundamental themes emerged during the data analysis. First, free transportation was seen as an important tool that influences health and daily living, by enabling access to healthcare, shopping, and cultural participation for older adults living in LaRonge, Saskatchewan. Second, older adults who made use of the free bus service reported emotional benefits including enhanced autonomy, reduced stress, and improved sense of dignity. Finally, barriers to the free bus service were identified, such as lack of age-friendly bus designs, communication barriers, and inconsistency in financing the free bus service.
CONCLUSIONS:
The findings from this study highlight the significant impact of free transportation in reducing various structural health inequities and improving the quality of life for older adults living in rural areas. Having sustainable policy and stable funding mechanisms, improved communication, and age-friendly design are all essential to improving the effectiveness of the free bus service.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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