research >>transit

in progress

Removing Barriers for Seniors at Transit Stops and Stations and the Potential for Transit Ridership Growth

Public transportation presents an important option for older adults who cannot, or choose not to, drive. Although there are no statewide statistics about transit ridership by older people, San Francisco Bay Area transit operators estimate that 4-12% of their patronage consists of riders over 65 years of age. A recurrent theme among older adults is that barriers at transit stations and bus stops are significant impediments to transit use. Common barriers include: waiting outdoors in uncomfortable station areas; lack of information about schedules and routes, perception of inconvenience; unreliable service; lack of security, and actual and/or perceived crime; inconvenient pedestrian access to stops; and lack of training for bus drivers to better understand and meet the needs of senior riders. This research is designed to determine seniors' perspectives of, and behavior around, bus stops and transit stations in two locations (urban and suburban) in California, summarize the previous work conducted and develop and test the impact of various design improvements and interventions to increase transit ridership among seniors. The research is geared toward determination of barriers to transit use and testing of improvements and interventions that hold promise for increasing ridership.

(See also San Pablo Ave. Smart Corridor.)