Understanding the effects of senior citizen free transit program on the travel behavior of the elderly in Kadıköy, Istanbul

Abstract

The increase in the elderly population around the world obliges governments to develop new policies on the transport of the elderly. To this end, free or reduced transport programs have begun to be implemented in some world countries and in Turkey to encourage elderly people to use public transport and to provide them with a more active life. In order to understand whether these programs are adequate, surveys were conducted taking into consideration the effects of using the free transportation program and the demographic characteristics of over 55 year olds living in Kadıköy district of Istanbul. The survey examines participants' travel behaviors and considerations of accessibility to public transport. The results of the analysis show that there are significant differences in the travel behavior of individuals under age 65 and above, and that the applied free transport program is insufficient to encourage individuals using their own vehicles to use public transport. On the other hand, it is understood that the free transportation program has a positive effect on the quality of life by increasing the mobility of elderly individuals.