Citation

Paaswell RE, Edelstein P. Transp. Plann. Tech. 1976; 3(3): 143-154.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1976, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/03081067608717101

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A study has been made of comparative travel behavior of a group of elderly and non?elderly persons in Buffalo, New York. The study supports the hypothesis that there are no severe changes in travel behavior as one gets older, but that the quality of travel, as opposed to the quantity of travel, deteriorates. The paper analyzes all aspects of travel for 14 non?work activities. Total daily trip frequency is not discriminatory between the elderly and non?elderly. The mode for these trips include car, bus, taxi and walk, the last being an important means of getting around for the elderly. The elderly, in several instances (e.g., grocery shopping) travel more frequently than the non?elderly. Through discriminant analysis, it was found that it is possible to sort the elderly and non?elderly into two groups when trip frequencies for a few specified trips only are considered (shopping, certain social trips). As the age delineation between elderly and non?elderly increases (i.e., from 55 to 65 years) the distinctions get sharper. Attitudes towards travel show, as expected, the car is always the preferred mode for travel, regardless of age. However, the elderly display a greater tolerance for bus and walking. Thus they would be most receptive to implementation of new modes of transit to solve the problems of checking quality of service they face. This report was made possible by grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT?OS?30098) and The Greater Buffalo Development Foundation. The views are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the sponsoring agencies.