Citation

Evans E. Transp. Res. Circular 2001; (E-C026): 151-168.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, U.S. National Academy of Sciences Transportation Research Board)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The 1995 Nationwide Personal Transportation Survey (NPTS) provides a snapshot of the daily travel patterns of a representative sample of the United States population. These data support the widely accepted notion that non-drivers 75 and older are among those most at risk for the social isolation and inadequate service availability that can follow from reduced mobility. This paper explores the factors associated with trip making among this group as they are reflected in the 1995 NPTS. The analyses conducted here seek to identify those personal and community characteristics measured in the survey that are associated with trip making among the non-driving 75+ population. The profile that emerges suggests that beyond the constraints of physical and economic well being, it is housing density and community context that most influence mobility among the non-driving 75+ population. Notably, when housing density is controlled, living in a central city area appears negatively associated with mobility among the 75+ non-driving population. The relationship between trip making and central city residence suggests that perceived safety may influence mobility among this population. Transit availability does not seem to bear a significant role in mobility among this group when other factors are controlled.