Conditions and Performance Chapter Listing

Conditions and Performance Home Page

Introduction

Summary

Measuring Mobility

The Role of Income

Role of Age

Role of Gender

Role of Race and Hispanic Status

Summary

There is clearly a larger market for transit that has not yet been tapped. Currently, 84 percent of transit riders are frequent users, i.e., people who use transit two or more times a week. Demand-responsive programs to transport people to subways, trolleys and bus transfer points may increase the scope of people who consider transit as an option. Given the projected growth in the elderly population, customer oriented para-transit designed to meet the needs of older Americans may play a significant role in allowing this group to maintain their mobility.

There are a number of initiatives to promote the development of neo-traditional neighborhoods, which includes a return to higher density and mixed land use neighborhoods in which transit and walking would be viable options. The benefits of such development are found in improved air quality, residents having a full range of viable mode choices, improved health of those who walk and bike, and a greater sense of community.

Older Americans need responses that may come from new technology to insure their continued mobility and resolve some of the serious safety issues they present to themselves and others. Highway and vehicle technology can play an integral role in decreasing travel times and mitigating the impact of highway congestion.

Some researchers suggest that greater use of telecommunications and telecommuting may decrease work travel, while other researchers claim that Internet use will expand the need for geographic mobility. It is fairly certain that technology has and will continue to change travel patterns, and may result in more home-based trips and more deliveries to the home. More research is needed to help identify the major trends and assess their impact in the changing world of transportation, telecommunications and personal travel.

Having a private vehicle increases the range of goods and services available to the traveler by simply expanding the area accessible. In some areas where transit is not available, programs that provide autos may help make work viable for women on welfare. For some urban dwellers, however, an auto may be more of a liability than an asset. Innovative approaches to providing transportation services can help increase all of our ability to participate fully in our society.