ASSESSING TRANSPORTATION NEEDS OF LOW-MOBILITY INDIVIDUALS IN CACHE COUNTY, UTAH

摘要

Older adults, low-income individuals, and individuals with disabilities are generally considered “low-mobility”individuals, having less access to transportation options and often marginalized in the social environment of thecommunity. This study assessed the transportation needs of low-mobility individuals using three dimensions: i)travel characteristics, ii) social strength in terms of transportation assistance received from their social networks, andiii) accessibility to public transportation. A mixed survey method combining an in-person interview at thecollaborating organizations and a mail-back survey were used to survey the low-mobility individuals living in CacheCounty, Utah. The results indicated a positive relationship between transportation mode choices and socialdependence with family and friends. Individuals with stronger family social ties were more likely to receive adequatehelp meeting their transportation needs. The accessibility analysis revealed that low-mobility individuals in CacheCounty, Utah, have difficulties accessing transit due to the long walking distances from their residences. Thesefindings suggest the need for improving public transportation and paratransit services to meet low-mobilityindividuals’ transportation needs.