Older Adults’ Perceptions Regarding Transportation Services in San Jose, CA: Access, Barriers, and Innovations

Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of older adults concerning barriers to the use of public transportation, to identify programs and services that best meet transportation needs, and to obtain suggestions for improvements or innovations in order to enable them to engage more fully in their community. Four focus groups, with a total of 25 participants, were held in three locations in San Jose, CA. While the participants were able to use public transportation to access shopping, medical services and other destinations, they expressed concerns related to physical barriers, frequency of services, the behavior of some drivers, and cost. The groups had limited suggestions for innovations.

Publications:

Older Adults’ Perceptions Regarding Transportation Services in San Jose, CA: Access, Barriers, and Innovations (Full Report)

Research Brief

Authors:

DEBORAH BOLDING, PhD

Deborah J. Bolding, PhD, is Assistant Professor in the Occupational Therapy Department, College of Health and Human Sciences, San Jose State University. She is an occupational therapist for the Injury Prevention Program at Stanford Health Care. She is also an occupational therapist for the Injury Prevention Program at Stanford Health Care, where she evaluates the efficacy of fall prevention programs and teaches home and community safety for older adults.

Published:

May 2019

Keywords:

Aging

Accessibility

Public transit

Mobility

Focus groups