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"When seniors who lack access to affordable transit options are no longer able to drive, says Serena Unrein, public-interest advocate for the Arizona PIRG Education Fund, the study shows there's a major negative impact on their mobility and independence.

"They make 15 percent fewer trips to the doctor, nearly 60 percent fewer trips to shop or eat out, and fewer trips to visit friends and family than their peers who are able to drive."

Funding for increased public transit can be made available as Congress rewrites and updates the federal transportation bill this year, Unrein says.

"The federal government can allow state departments of transportation to 'flex' a portion of their highway funds for transit projects and programs."

States will then be able to respond to their own unique transportation needs, she says, instead of being locked into one-size-fits-all spending requirements."