Transportation Planning for Older Americans: Challenges, Federal Policies, and Next Steps

With the rapidly increasing number of older people, vehicle dependence in countries like the U.S. poses many challenges for transportation planning. Vehicle dependence among most Americans has substantial environmental, safety, and equity implications, and it excludes those with limited ability to drive from participating in many everyday social activities. Also, an age-based digital divide weakens the potential role of transportation technologies and information and communication technologies in reducing travel difficulties for older people. Nevertheless, current federal policies do not sufficiently address the transportation challenges facing an aging population. This paper provides an agenda for sustainable and equitable transportation in an aging society through various modes of transportation and enhanced interagency coordination and collaboration.