Citation

Olsen WT, Smith S. Transp. Res. Rec. 1974; 513: 8-14.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1974, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study was undertaken as a part of a Florida Department of Transportation (DOT) bus demonstration project in Clearwater, Florida. It was intended to provide psychological data as inputs to analysis and design of public transportation sytems. The bus system serviced a low-density urban region in which many elderly people lived. A survey for obtaining consumer inputs was administered at home to 145 users and nonusers of the bus system. Three other variables (in addition to user status) were studied: age, sex, and health status. Large differences were found on responses to various transportation-related concerns or annoyances. Non-users were more concerned about injury and health risks, annoyances, and long-time pressures (e.g., delays). Oldest respondents were more concerned about injury and health risks and about short-time pressures (e.g., not being able to move more quickly enough). Less healthy persons also reflected this latter concern. Because of the large number of persons in the elderly (sometimes infirm) category, it was suggested that consideration of the needs and limitations of these persons is clearly advisable in the design of transportation systems.