A challenge has been placed upon those of us who still drive, have access to a car and don’t know what it’s like to rely on public transportation.

Western Reserve Independent Living Center is inviting the Trumbull County community to take part in Week Without Driving, happening Sept. 29 through Oct. 5 in Trumbull County and across Ohio.

The challenge is to experience the public transportation system so that you can become knowledgeable enough to understand the barriers experienced by those who don’t drive, and you can be a factor in making positive changes.

“A Week Without Driving” started in Washington state in 2021 and has grown into a national movement. You can participate in a single trip, a day or the full week. Even if you end up driving, your reflections on what mobility options work — and don’t work — for nondrivers are incredibly valuable.

Then share your story on social media using #WRILC #WeekWithoutDriving, or complete a survey at https://week withoutdriving.org/story/.

As part of “Week Without Driving,” join a WRILC staff member, someone who cannot drive due to a disability, for a ride on the #28 WRTA bus between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

This is a chance to see what getting around town by bus really looks like. You’re invited to ride along, ask questions and experience firsthand what just one small part of transit access looks like in our community.

At the senior levy administration office, transportation is one of the services offered for seniors and the disabled. The system has improved over the years due to hearing the voices of those who rely on this transportation, but nothing is perfect.

We need to understand the barriers that exist in Trumbull County. Until you use the system, you can’t understand what is truly needed.

The biggest process of improvement comes from those who use the system and not those sitting at a desk making the rules.

One of the unmet needs within the current senior and disabled system is the limit on nonmedical trips.

Only one trip per week is permitted and that means a one round trip for $2 each way. Nonmedical is for basic needs such as grocery shopping, pharmacy or banking. If you participate in “Week Without Driving,” consider the challenge of only one nonmedical trip per week.

My uncle lives 45 minutes from “town” in the southern Ohio hills where windy gravel roads are the only way into town. He only wants to do one trip per week because of those gravel hilly roads and the distance involved, but he is able to hit all the stops in that one trip. What will happen when he can’t drive anymore? With this system, the rider has to figure out that one stop that will incorporate all needs.

The solution would be to arrange that stop where multiple needs can be addressed, such as the Eastwood Plaza for the day or Walmart. But, again, imagine the difficulty if someone is in a wheelchair.

Take the moment to imagine not having a car. Imagine that, suddenly, you are not permitted to drive. For success in retirement, people make financial plans. For productivity at work, check lists are created and hopefully addressed.

Do you know what your plan is if suddenly your ability to self-transport is eliminated? Do you know what is available to you? And then, have you planned for that arrangement?

Ride the current system to understand and plan. And with those who may need a system in the future consider what options Trumbull County has and how you can improve that. Take a ride with Western Reserve Independent Living to understand transportation barriers. Put your keys away for one week and then understand how important public transportation is for you.

For additional information, contact Trumbull County Senior Levy Administrator Diane Siskowic-Jurkovic at 330-675-7846 or sljurkov@co.trumbull.oh.us