OLDER PEOPLE AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT Challenges and Chances of an Ageing Society UITP Light Rail Committee Tenerife, October 2007 UITP Waterborne Transport Committee Hamburg, May 18-19, 2008 Presentation made by Ragnar Domstad EMTA WG Accessibility

Member cities as of October 2007 Lisbon is an observer until the setting up of its transport authority. Montréal is an associed authority.

Estimated resident population at 2000 by age and sex Men Women (Anne Frye UK) Estimated resident population at 2038 by age and sex

A growing number of older people European countries face a growing number of older people Shift in population balance will impact society economy, and transport Changes in Mobility Behaviour should be expected Taking no action could threaten the public transport services The older people are from the first “car generation”

Survey Objectives and Methodology Objectives  explore the challenge posed by the older people to the public transport system in terms of –accessibility (physical or mental barriers) –travel information –dedicated services –fare and ticketing schemes –car-oriented habits – needs and expectations  identify and present best practices  express recommendations Methodology  30 questionnaires sent out to EMTA members and others  interviews conducted with users groups, medical professionals, universities, consultants  best practices explored

Intermediary findings (I) Ageing is a process rather than a stage, differences in mobility are noticeable from young seniors to older ones walking is an increasing activity use of public transport tends to increase, but trips are shorter driving a car remains a favored mean of transport for a long time

Preliminary findings (II) Growing age and motor impairment are closely linked sensory and cognitive abilities also diminish while psychological or social barriers appear (lack of self confidence, security and safety issues, lack of consideration by other passengers travelling with public transport is not insuperable but requires efforts

Preliminary findings (III) The lasting use of a private car is a real challenge to public transport authorities Further research needed of a prospective model of status quo behaviour within 20 to 40 years and the impact on public transport PT networks have identified issues and implemented measures Assessment of measures show a low knowledge about older people’s needs and a lack of integrated planning

Best practice selected KOLLA project in Göteborg Roland JENSSEN  objective: transport for the disabled people should be more friendly an less costly  measures in 3 main directions: –keep on improving accessibility in terms of vehicles, access to network and surroundings –enhance staff training and use of IT to facilitate intermodality, information, –build cooperative administration between authorities leading to integrated fares and ticketing

Best practice selected EIN SCHRITT INS ALTER ( STAYING MOBILE IN THE OLDER AGE) SALZBURG, Angelika Geistener  Objective : develop a selected training for older people in order to keep them active, independent, mobile and public transport user  Measures : –reaching out towards older people groups –targets : gain confidence, diminish fear, develop customer loyalty –training in situ is the key, a handbook guide line is delivered –special attention given to staff training and interior design of buses

Present status Final report now available through EMTA homepage also sent out in the meeting file A 4-page leaflet will be ready in 2008 Follow-up studies in new project AENEAS

NEW - AENEAS project Follow-up activities in new AENEAS project (STEER programme) Currently under negotiation, proposed start in summer 2008 Addressing urban mobility of older people incl. all modes Combining sustainability (energy efficiency) accessibility, usability and health aspects Concrete measures in 5 European cities: Donostia – San Sebastián, Krakow, Munich, Odense, Salzburg Focus on “soft measures“ – mobility management, training, awareness raising & campaigning Good practice exchange ring with practical training sessions for transport professionals