The Inverse Relationship Between Age And Transit Use

A recent survey reveals that San Diego County senior citizens are less likely to use public transportation as they grow older. Many seniors cite their lack of experience, long waits, and a lack of adequate routes as keeping them from using transit.

1 minute read

December 15, 2006, 1:00 PM PST

By Nate Berg

The survey, conducted by the San Diego Association of Governments, found that ridership falls dramatically as citizens age from their 60s to their 70s, and even more dramatically as citizens age from their 70s to their 80s.

"According to the survey, which will be used to design transportation services for senior citizens, the biggest reason seniors cite for being unwilling to use public transit is lack of experience. More than 16 percent of respondents said they had never been on a bus or train."

"Among other responses, 13.5 percent of respondents said they chose not to use transit because the wait for the bus is too long, 10.6 percent said more bus routes were needed, 8.4 percent said the transit service nearest to them is too far away and 6.6 percent said they feared for their safety."

FULL STORY: Survey: Bus use declines with age

Monday, December 11, 2006 in The North County Times

Social / Demographics Transportation California

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.