Citation

Gillan J, Wachs M. Transportation (Amst) 1976; 5(1): 45-61.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1976, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/BF00165247

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study examined the trip-making behavior of persons over 65 years of age residing in Los Angeles County. To date, the major shortcoming of most research concerned with the transportation needs of the elderly is that the aged have been treated as a homogeneous group without recognizing the various lifestyles of the senior population. The two most easily distinguishable groups of elderly persons within the county are those residing in the inner-city and those around the urban fringe. Although many elderly are still found in gray ghettos there is currently a trend toward a more suburban generation of retirees. Four areas were selected within the county that reflected these two living patterns of the elderly. A comparative analysis of trip patterns and socio-economic data was completed. It was found that the suburban elderly are characterized as (1) having higher incomes, (2) residing predominantly in single-family units and (3) being reliant upon automobile transportation. As is typical of a large proportion of those over 65 years of age, many of the suburban elderly cannot drive. Studies of the transportation needs of this group indicate that without transit alternatives they may well become society's most transit-deprived segment. On the other hand, while the inner-city elderly may have a wider range of transportation options, they also have a distinct economic disadvantage which preludes their accessibility to opportunities. An analysis of modal choices, trip purposes and the frequency of travel exhibited many similarities and some significant differences in the travel behavior as well as problems of these two groups. In addition to investigating travel patterns a survey of taxi-cab use on weekends and weekdays was undertaken. Elderly persons represent a substantial proportion of taxi-cab patrons. Their use of taxis is further indicative of the change that occurs in mobility patterns upon reaching retirement. This mode of transportation is presently the only type of demand-responsive service available to the senior population in some parts of the county.

Language: en