The increasing population of older people in the Europe is producing considerable challenges for future transportation systems. The aim of the GOAL project is to review current knowledge and identify research gaps in order to develop an action plan for innovative solutions to fulfil the transport needs of an ageing society. The physical and mental characteristics of older people were used to develop profiles which represented the range of characteristics to be found in the population now and in the future (GOAL, 2012). These profiles are being used to explore in a structured way the needs while driving, using public transport, walking and cycling and the relevant information needed before and during travel. For many older people facing physical, mental, psychological and economic barriers to travel, public transport may be the only way to access essential health, economic and other services including important social contact. This deliverable critically reviews public transport provision and associated facilities from the perspective of the needs of the elderly and produces recommendations for further research. Accessibility, affordability, availability and acceptability are key issues for older people. These issues were assessed for the public transport needs of GOAL profiles of older people (Fit as a fiddle, Hole in the Heart, Happily Connected, An oldie but a goodie, the Care-full). The assessment showed that needs differ between profiles. It also showed that many of the needs have been addressed or recognised in national and EU level policies. This has resulted in a number of best practices covering aspects of public transport (especially accessibility issues) being implemented in various local, national and EU levels in different countries. Whilst directives and guidelines have also been developed to standardise such implementations, the level of implementation has been found to vary considerably. The analysis of current provision against the needs of different GOAL profiles of older people showed that knowledge gaps exist, and the following are recommended for future research: • The development of a methodology to assess the benefits of accessibility measures • Research on the issues of transition from a car focussed to a public transport focussed lifestyle • Safety concerns related to using public transport • The identification of measures to influence bus driver attitudes and behaviour • The development of older people friendly information system. (Author/publisher)
Abstract