Understanding Transportation Needs of Underserved Older adults in Rural Communities: A Dual-Perspective Approach

Abstract

Abstract Older adults who need transportation assistance in rural communities face more transportation challenges than those in urban environments. Yet, their transportation needs are not well understood. Drawing on the 2021 Older Adult Transportation Survey data in rural Wisconsin, this paper deepened the understanding of important rural transport service features from perspectives of both senior users and service providers. Using the Likert scale analysis, a total of 13 important service features have been selected by both senior users and service providers, which were then grouped into three factors (i.e., basic, technological, and special) by the exploratory factor analysis. Older adults reached consensus with service providers in identifying the most important basic features, but rated the technological features more important than service providers expected. They also showed incompatible preferences on the special features comparing with service providers. Statistical tests were followed to further reveal that the basic features are significantly important for older females and those with mobility device and very limited leisure trips; while the technological features were highly rated by older females and those with younger age and internet access. Special features received different attention depending on older adults’ diverse needs. Service providers of various characteristics exhibited no significant differences on the classified service features. Our findings suggest that rural transport service providers can better support their senior users through advancing the basic service features, promoting age-friendly technologies, and developing value-added special service features to better fit special users’ needs and adapt to local contexts.