Older Drivers and Transportation Network Companies: Investigating Opportunities for Increased Safety and Improved Mobility (02-016)

Project Description: As the U.S. population ages, increasing numbers of older adults are likely to find themselves needing to limit or cease driving, and may find their mobility options severely limited as a result. Transportation network companies (TNCs), which provide on-demand transportation in many cities and suburbs, are an underutilized resource among adults over 65. This project explored the potential benefits of TNC use by older adults, including the potential for improved traffic safety along with increased mobility and independence for an aging population. It also examined the barriers and challenges to TNC use by older adults. Data Scope: Data from this project includes notes from expert interviews with transportation providers and from focus groups with older adults, all collected during May 2018. Researchers conducted the expert interviews by telephone during May 2018. Five interviews were conducted with representatives from TNCs or TNC-related companies. Six interviews were conducted with representatives from local government agencies or non-profit organizations who facilitate transportation services for older adults. Researchers conducted the focus groups in Richmond, Virginia on May 16, 2018 and in Houston, Texas on May 23, 2018. A total of six groups were conducted. Data Specification: Not applicable. Responses to questions in the interviews and focus groups were open-ended and those responses were documented by researchers’ notes, which are collected and organized in the following sections: Expert interviews: Agencies Expert interviews: TNCs Focus groups: Richmond Focus groups: Houston The interview and focus guides are included with each section.