Need for Transportation Alternatives for the Rural Elderly

摘要

Providing adequate, yet cost effective, transportation for spatially dispersed rural populations is a continuing national problem with a major impact for the rural Midwest. The objective of this project is first to document the transportation patterns of the rural elderly in the target area of six counties in southern Iowa and three adjacent counties in northern Missouri; second to identify the potential need for alternative transportation services; and third, to develop transportation alternatives and consider their viability. While, as expected, the younger residents travel slightly more frequently, the travel patterns did not vary significantly with age. Income level was a far better predictor of trip frequency. Those with incomes under $5,000 made an average of five trips a week while those with incomes over $20,000 made an average of 10 trips a week. The length of the trips varied from five to over fifty miles, but the average was thirteen miles. Age had only a small impact on trip distance since goods and services are only available at fixed locations. Travel patterns did not vary significantly between the respondents in the two states.