LA Metro spotlights ‘On the Move’ travel-buddy program at Pasadena senior expo

LA Metro hosted its 10th annual Older Adult Transportation Expo at the Pasadena Convention Center, showcasing resources aimed at helping older adults use the county transit system and connecting attendees with volunteer "travel buddies." Lily Ortiz, community relations manager for Metro and the lead for the On the Move senior riders program, said the event combines workshops, an exhibitor fair and guided rides to help older residents plan and take trips across Los Angeles County.

"This is our 10th annual older adult transportation expo," Ortiz said, adding that Metro expected about 500 older adults from across the county to attend. Ortiz described a program structure that includes beginner, intermediate and advanced workshops, an exhibitor fair and volunteer-led clubs that run local trips.

Ortiz emphasized volunteers as a core part of the effort. "We have 62 volunteers who lead clubs throughout the county," she said, noting two clubs are active in Pasadena and directing listeners to Metro's outreach resources for people who want to join or host a session.

The expo included practical information for riders. Ortiz said attendees could apply for a senior TAP card at the event and that applicants must complete an application and verify their age. Separately, a travel buddy participating in the broadcast said a senior TAP card issued at age 65 is "good for 10 years." The program's representatives encouraged riders to download Metro's app, plan trips and sign up for guided tours, including a post-expo tour from Union Station to the new D Line stop at Wilshire–Fairfax.

Individual travel buddies described how the program works in practice. Estair Press, who identified herself as a travel buddy from Park View Living Senior Apartments near Echo Park Lake, said she plans trips in advance, escorts riders on outings to landmarks such as Union Station and highlights station features and artwork to make the journey comfortable and welcoming.

"I took everybody to Union Station and I went to the window where you buy your senior TAP card," Press said, describing how those first trips help riders become familiar with transit procedures and stations. Press also referred to reduced-fare details in the conversation; the program representatives provided numbers during the broadcast but the exact phrasing about off-peak and rush-hour amounts was conversational and not presented as a formal fare table.

Arlene, a travel buddy from the South Bay and an ambulatory wheelchair user, discussed adapting trips for mobility needs and said Metro had recognized her community work: she said Supervisor Holly Mitchell appointed her to Metro's community advisory council and that she serves on an accessibility advisory committee. June, who said her group operates from the Weart (Lakewood) Senior Center, described regular monthly outings across the county and stressed that having and understanding the TAP card is a key step for new riders.

Fran, a travel buddy from Lancaster, described outreach that persuaded seniors who were reluctant to attend center activities to try coordinated trips; she said her group has about 15 regulars and has grown to roughly 35 participants.

Organizers framed the expo as a one-stop opportunity for older adults to learn about fares, accessibility and trip planning while also signing up for local travel clubs and future guided rides. Ortiz invited senior centers, churches and other groups to request Metro presentations and follow-up tours to build rider confidence.

The segment closed with organizers encouraging listeners to visit Metro's On the Move web resources for contact information and club listings. The broadcast did not include formal policy votes or regulatory actions; it focused on outreach, rider education and volunteer-led trips.