Rural Transportation Conference Participants’ Opinions and Concerns Pertaining to Transit for Older Adults

Abstract

Mobility remains a vital part of the well-being of rural-living, older adults and transportation disadvantaged persons. This study seeks to identify research and policy needs related to rural transit for older people and the transportation disadvantaged. To obtain this goal, the multidisciplinary study team conducted two activities as part of a 2016 rural transportation conference: a survey of conference attendees and open discussion to elicit additional information. Results suggest the attendees felt the need for rural transit for older adults would continue to increase with public and private funding being critical issues. Respondents had similar opinions about challenges and opportunities across socioeconomic characteristics including age, gender, political leaning, rurality, and organizational function. This suggests an opportunity to mobilize support for public transportation.

Measuring Benefits of Rural and Small Urban Transit in Greater Minnesota

“…Results may differ based on the types of trip provided, the geographic and demographic characteristics of the service area, and characteristics of the service provided. Mjelde et al ( 12 ) also argued that many of the previous evaluation studies are flawed conceptually, use incorrect methods or assumptions, or both. TCRP Synthesis 128 concluded that these studies vary widely in their rigor and that there is still some confusion over the different types of study, their terminology, and interpretations ( 13 ).…”