Characteristics of Zero-Vehicle Households Among Older Americans and Their Travel Implications

Shengxiao (Alex) Li

Journal of the American Planning Association, 2025, vol. 91, issue 3, 430-444

Abstract: Problem, research strategy, and findingsAs the number of older Americans increases rapidly and many of them age in low-density areas, understanding their transportation difficulties and needs is crucial. Using the 2017 National Household Travel Survey, I categorized zero-vehicle older individuals into four groups: urban commuters, nonrural low-income nondrivers, rural unemployed nondrivers, and nonurban moderate transit users. I then examined who they are and how they travel. More than one-third of zero-vehicle individuals were rural unemployed nondrivers. They mostly lived in rural areas and towns without readily available public or private transportation services and thus made the fewest trips among all zero-vehicle groups. In contrast, urban commuters—who mostly lived in metropolitan areas with rail systems and were healthy—had more experience using public transit and did not report any travel disadvantages compared with those using vehicles. Nonrural low-income nondrivers, however, manifested travel difficulties, largely due to their relatively poor health and income constraints.Takeaway for practicePlanners and policymakers should consider providing additional transportation services and neighborhood designs for older people without vehicles. They should offer transportation services in suburban and rural areas, as well as in small towns lacking convenient public transport services. For older people who still drive, provision of both vehicle and safety support for cars and roads should be of paramount concern, because this assistance can help such individuals remain drivers longer. They should also provide affordable and accessible transportation solutions for older people, because income and health are two main obstacles in daily travel for older people without vehicles. In the long run, planners should muse over land use and design changes in low-density areas to facilitate older people’s out-of-home activities.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1080/01944363.2024.2428918

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