Many
older people have special travel needs which can limit their mobility. Some
feel less comfortable behind the wheel or traveling alone, and some are forced
to give up their driver’s licenses because of age-related disabilities.
By 2010, the 65-74 age group
will dramatically increase as the first baby boomers turn 65. This rapid
growth in the older population makes it critical to address the special needs
of older travelers -- to prevent them from becoming isolated because of a lack
of transportation options, and to prevent traffic accidents that might occur
because of a decline in their driving abilities. Transportation options
including public transit must be made available to older people. And because
this aging sector of society may be unfamiliar with transit, many people might
need help learning about and transitioning to transit and other alternatives.