United States Department of Transportation
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Abstract:This final report combines material previously documented in two working papers on a project to investigate ways of providing cost-effective mobility programs for senior citizens at minimum cost to both the public and the beneficiaries. This report therefore includes a synthesis of literature review and other background information gathered to help the analytic process; the analysis of survey data; a gaps analysis; and resulting conclusions. The United States is undergoing tremendous change in its demographic composition. Projections indicate that the proportion of seniors will double within the next two decades. The phenomenon is attributable to the aging of the baby-boomer generation within an era of increased longevity. This is true at the national level and within the state of California. The expected increase in the senior population has been recognized for more than a decade and several studies and mobility programs have attempted to address senior needs. Studies found that more and more seniors travel either as drivers or automobile passengers but still face mobility barriers especially as they reach the point of having to give up driving. Studies also found that seniors may suffer from physical or medical problems but still seek active community lives. This demographic trend underscores the need to expand senior services. These services will include assisted transportation for older citizens who would no longer drive. In the US, more than three quarters of all seniors live in lower density rural and suburban areas. These areas are not served as well by public transportation as urban areas are. There are paratransit services that could fill the gap in mobility needs of seniors, but with the passing of ADA legislation, many of these services became devoted predominantly to disabled passengers. Besides, paratransit has proven to be a very expensive way of providing alternative transportation.
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