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.