GentleRoute
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Not-for-profit · Canada

Getting around should stay easy at every age.

GentleRoute uses AI to plan trips for older adults: which way to go, when to leave, and what to expect on the way. It is free for seniors and their families.

Join the pilot Partner with us

We are a new not-for-profit and are preparing our first pilot.

Example plan Tuesday

Visit to the clinic

  1. 10:20
    Leave homeThe bus is quieter at this time
  2. 10:27
    Bus 12 to Main StStep-free, seats usually available
  3. 10:46
    Walk 4 minutesCleared sidewalk, bench halfway
  4. 10:52
    Arrive8 minutes early

Heads-up: heavy traffic is expected after 3 p.m. Aim to head home by 2:30.

Illustration only. Times and routes are examples.

Small obstacles can keep people at home

Many older adults go out less. It is not that they want to stay home. Trips have simply become tiring, confusing or worrying.

Timetables are hard to follow

Small print, too many apps and last-minute changes make planning stressful.

Busy times feel unsafe

Crowded buses and heavy traffic make it harder to find a seat or cross the street.

Winter makes everything harder

Snow, ice, stairs and long transfers can turn a short trip into a risky one.

How GentleRoute works

Simple for the traveller. The hard work happens in the background.

  1. Tell us your trip

    By phone, by voice, or in a simple app with large buttons. Just say where you want to go and when.

  2. We plan the route

    AI compares options and favours fewer transfers, step-free access, shorter walks and places to rest.

  3. We choose a good time

    Using public transit and traffic data, we suggest when to leave to avoid crowds and congestion.

  4. We remind you and keep watch

    You get a reminder before you leave and a heads-up if something changes. Family can follow along if you choose.

Working with local governments

Cities, provinces and transit agencies already collect traffic counts, road work updates and real-time transit data. We want to turn that data into simple, timely advice for older residents.

We are looking for our first municipal partner to run a pilot.

What we hope to receive

  • Traffic volume and congestion data
  • Road work, closures and detours
  • Real-time transit and accessibility information
  • Snow clearing and sidewalk conditions

What we give back

  • Anonymous, combined insights on where older residents struggle to travel
  • Evidence to guide accessibility and service planning
  • A free service that helps residents stay independent

Our promises

Free for seniors

Seniors and their families will never pay to plan a trip.

Privacy first

We never sell personal data. Trip details are used only to plan your trips, and we design our service to follow Canadian privacy law.

A real person to talk to

We are planning a phone line answered by people, not just an app.

Built with older adults

We test every feature with seniors and caregivers before we launch it.

Get involved

We are just getting started. Here is how you can help.

Seniors and families

Join the pilot and help shape a service that works for you.

Governments and transit agencies

Share data and help us run a pilot in your community.

Senior centres and community groups

Invite us to listen, run a workshop, or find pilot participants.

Volunteers and funders

Lend your skills or support our first pilot.

Contact us

Our contact email will be announced soon.