This paper investigates how well present bus provision and policies in the United Kingdom are meeting the needs of older people. Methods for improving such policies are suggested. Recent trends in local bus use broken down by age and sex are presented first, as is the change in driving licence ownership. Recent trends in bus transport service levels, operating costs, subsidies, and fares are also discussed, as are changes in vehicle design and operation. The results indicate that while a significant proportion of older people will continue to rely on buses for transport, the increase in the number of fitter older people using cars seems likely to grow. Normal market mechanisms will be less able to serve the public transport needs of older people in future years. Suggestions for bus design modifications, changes in operations, service planning and reliability, and passenger information systems which will make buses more attractive to older users are presented.
Samenvatting