Public transit use among American older adults: Insights from a nationally representative survey

Background and objectives

Public transit is an important daily transport mode, especially for older adults who face increasing transport restrictions, partly due to the cessation of driving. This study aims to examine public transit use among American older adults, focusing on the impact of public transit stops and neighborhood environment characteristics.

Research design and methods

The proportions of public transit users among older adults were estimated using the 2017 National Household Travel Survey. Logistic regression models were used to estimate how public transit use was associated with the density of public transit stops in the neighborhoods, controlling for individual, family, and neighborhood environment characteristics. Stratified analyses were conducted for drivers and non-drivers.

Results

Among older adults who drove, 8.9% and 3.2% were users and frequent users of public transit, respectively. These proportions were 26.2% and 16.9% among older adults who were non-drivers, respectively. About 57.7% of older adults lived in neighborhoods without any public transits stops. Non-driver, males, minorities, and high socioeconomic status groups, as well as those living in neighborhoods with a higher density of transit stops, higher walkability, or low deprivation were more likely to use public transit. The impact of transit stop density was more pronounced for drivers than non-drivers. The use of public transit was associated with a higher number of total trips per day and the impact was more pronounced among non-drivers.

Discussion and implications

Providing public transit as an alternative mode of transportation is crucial for older adults, whether they drive or not, to address the challenges and disparities in daily transport. Additionally, creating walk-friendly environments, particularly near transit stops, is essential.