|
Research Project Description |
|
Barriers
to Using Fixed-Route Transit for Older Adults
Project Number: 2402
Michael D. Peck, Ph.D., MA, MSW, Mineta RA, Assistant Professor,
College of Social Work and Director, Social Work Aging Resource Center, San
José State University Institution: Telephone Number: Project Objective: Abstract: The specific aims of this proposed research are to assess older adults’ perceptions of (1) safety on public transit, (2) safety traveling from home to public transit stops and stations, (3) the ease of using public transit facilities and vehicles, (4) the ease of traveling from home to public transit stops and stations, and (5) the availability and accessibility of public transit information. The research will also assess (6) the factors that inform older adults’ decision to use public transit. The researchers pose two hypotheses: (1) personal and demographic characteristics (e.g. economic status, physical characteristics, and cognitive abilities) and public transit service characteristics negatively affect older adults’ perceptions about riding public transit, and (2) discrepancies between perceived barriers and actual situations negatively affect older adults’ beliefs about their ability to use public transit. In both of these hypotheses public transit interventions exist that will improve older adults’ perception of public transit, increase transit ridership, promote autonomy and independence, and improve older adults’ well-being. Little is known about the factors that inform these older adults’ appraisals of public transit, making this research both innovative and timely. Appraisal is a mental process of evaluating aspects of one’s life. During appraisal people access mental data that include beliefs and feelings about self, aging, society, and even public transit. By learning more about these mental processes in older adults, including discrepancies between perceived barriers and actual situations, we can learn about the interventions what will facilitate older adults’ successful use of public transit systems. The findings will inform a diversity of stakeholders, including consumer and advocacy groups, public transportation agencies and private carriers, government agencies, service providers, university researchers, older persons, and disabled persons. The findings will include both targeted short-term solutions and long-term recommendations for making public transit more convenient and more accessible to older persons. Description and Project dates: Task One: Literature review: Identify
the types of studies that have been undertaken to learn about the travel
needs of older persons, the approaches and research methods that have been
used to collect and analyze data about older persons, and the gaps in the
research and knowledge base about older persons’ perception of using public
transit. May 2005-June 2005 Task Two: Task
Three: Task
Four: Task Five: Analysis of
Survey Results: Input and data cleaning will begin as surveys are
received. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses to be conducted. November 2005-December 2005 Task Six: Project
Documentation: Write the abstract, introduction, literature review
results, observations and analysis, results and conclusions. Submit draft
final report to MTI. January 2006-May 2006 Task Seven: Dissemination of Findings: The research will produce a processed survey data set (stripped of identifiers) that will be made available to future studies, standards, and design efforts. The team plans at least two articles suitable for publication in refereed journals. The team plans at least two conference presentations in national settings, including at TRB. Continuous
Total Budget: $53,357 Principal
Investigator: Michael D. Peck, Ph.D., MA, MSW, Mineta RA, Assistant Professor,
College of Social Work and Director, Social Work Aging Resource Center, San
José State University Team Members: Member: Daniel Hess, Ph.D., Mineta RA, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Urban and
Regional Planning, University of
Buffalo, State University of New York Students: SJSU: Swathi Boreda, Monica Rowden
U Buffalo: Kelly Dixon, Mark McGovern
Technology Transfer Activities: Potential Benefits of the Project: This research will serve as a
baseline for future research. Profiles of older adults who ride or do not
ride public transit will be created. The research will create a framework for
understanding perceptions of public transit that will then be used to
identify interventions. When implemented, these interventions can be
evaluated for effectiveness in increasing the efficiency of public transit
for older persons. Interventions could include schedule changes that meet
older adults’ activity needs. This is particularly important in suburbs where
transit is usually designed to serve working commuters. Aging suburbanites
have different needs. . Key Words: Senior citizens, Public transit, Transit, Transit riders, Mobility
|
|
