Choice of transportation mode among older drivers and former drivers

Data from 16 focus groups and a telephone survey of 1,053 Michigan drivers and former drivers over age 65 were examined for information on transportation mode choices of older drivers and former drivers, their experience with alternatives to driving, and whether they had given any thought to or made plans for the time when they can no longer drive themselves. The results show that most older households owned at least one automobile and that the automobile was the primary mode of transportation for older drivers and former drivers. Most former drivers relied on getting rides from adult children, spouses, and friends. Use of public transportation systems was quite low, and some older drivers and former drivers were not aware of the public transportation services available in their neighborhoods. Most of those who used public transportation services were satisfied with the service, although there was some dissatisfaction with the routes, inconvenience, and long wait and travel times. Older drivers did not seem to make preparations for the time they could no longer drive. Over half the drivers who perceived that they would have problems driving within five years, still expected to keep driving beyond five years.