Public transport use in later life

Abstract

The ability to travel and be mobile in later life is linked to a good quality of life (see Holley Moore & Creighton, 2015). Furthermore, the importance of discretionary travel in later life has been highlighted as an important factor for the health and wellbeing of older people, particularly those who do not drive (Musselwhite, 2017). Jn view of the increase in travel and activities among this group, the role public transport plays in later life cannot be underestimated. More active lifestyles and car use throughout life have led to an increasing number of older drivers, in many western cultures (Mackett, 2018). But what about those older adults who cannot, or do not want to, drive? This chapter deals with the use of public transport in later life. It describes the main determinants of travel among this age group, briefly discusses some of the barriers to travel and focuses on the equity issues of public transport use among older adults. It focuses primarily on urban areas, even though problems and challenges are also experienced in non-urban and rural areas. The chapter uses evidence from United Kingdom and Europe primarily but also draws on evidence from further afield to attempt to better understand how public transport supports independent travel in later life. The concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic are discussed in the context of rising challenges which public transport users, particularly older adults, are and will continue to, face in the future. The aim here is to provide a comprehensive overview of the opportunities, barriers and challenges of public transport use in later life.