Expanding Seniors’ Mobility through Phone Apps: Potential Responses from the Private and Public Sectors

Abstract

Seniors (over 64 years) are a growing demographic. Some seniors risk social exclusion given the lack of transportation options. Using qualitative methods, I investigate how transportation network company (TNC) services such as Lyft and Uber present an alternative for seniors’ mobility in comparison to taxis. I use technology acceptance models as a lens and explore the challenges that TNC services present for seniors. This analysis suggests that emerging transportation services—including self-driving cars—may present a boon for seniors if stakeholders from the private and public sectors can increase the ease of use of these new forms of mobility.