Sure, Buda is age-friendly – as long as you can drive
I was surprised to read the June 1st headline “Buda named age-friendly community,” given the city’s lack of public transit.
My grandma lives in a city very like Buda. Her city has a limited senior transportation mechanism, similar to Buda’s STAR service. Picture only being able to go where you want three days a week – all of them weekdays, and you have to call ahead and schedule your trip a week beforehand - and you’ll be able to understand why she continued driving until it was clear she couldn’t anymore. She had a couple car accidents during this process of realization. Thankfully, no one was hurt.
She now relies more than ever on the support of neighbors. It’s great that her neighbors can help her, and I’m very grateful to them. But I know how frustrating it can be to rely on the time and goodwill of others because I don’t drive, either. While my grandma physically can’t turn her neck as much as she used to, my block is mental - I get anxious on the road and can’t focus well. I’m only 28, but trust me, you don’t want me behind the wheel.
I wish my grandma’s city would implement a couple regular bus lines. I wish Buda would, too. Now THAT would be an improvement that’s friendly for all ages.
Hope Wilson
Buda
