When digital disadvantage meets transport disadvantage: The association between smartphone-based mobility services and perceived transport disadvantage among the elderly

Abstract

The barriers and unequal distribution of smartphone-based mobility services (SMS) among disadvantaged populations, particularly the elderly, have received growing interest in transport studies. However, insufficient attention has been paid to how access to and use of SMS translate into specific outcomes in the travel domain. Taking perceived transportation disadvantage as the outcome, this study examines its relationship with access and usage of SMS within elderly people using data from a recent survey in Nanjing, China. Specifically, the study compares the differences between local elderly and migrant elderly populations. The findings show firstly that the association between access to SMS and transport disadvantage is not significant, while the usage of SMS is significantly negatively associated with transport disadvantage. Secondly, the relationships between SMS use and transport disadvantage vary according to different types of SMS, among which transport information services play a more significant role. Thirdly, immigrant attributes play a moderating role in the relationship between SMS and transport disadvantage, indicating that SMS is more effective in alleviating transport disadvantage among the migrant elderly compared with local elderly populations. The study contributes to the field of transport equity and digital mobility services by implying that SMS use has the potential to mitigate transport disadvantage, particularly for migrant elderly groups. To optimize the effectiveness of SMS in improving elderly mobility, efforts should prioritize promoting the usage of SMS among the elderly population rather than focusing only on increasing smartphone access.