Evaluation of an Urban Travel Training for Older Adults

The size of the aging population in the United States is increasing, and transportation is critical to maintaining older adults mobility, independence, and quality of life. Travel training programs designed to increase individual knowledge are one way to encourage older adult use of fixed- route transit and improve the transportation options for older adults. The analysis conducted in this paper explores characteristics of travel-training participants in Alameda County, California in 2007-2008 and their knowledge and concerns regarding public transit. Specific issues addressed include transit habits, degree of increase in knowledge after participating in the training, and factors that predict training participation. Participants in this study represent a diverse group of older adults with a broad range of transportation experience and knowledge. After participation in the travel training course, participants showed an increase in knowledge of local public transit and how to access transit information independently. The study identifies currently driving as a predictive positive predictive factor for participating in the travel training course. Future travel training courses should make efforts to recruit current drivers who may wish to plan for their future mobility needs by becoming more familiar with public transit options.