Understanding the Transportation Mobility Needs for an Aging New Jersey Population

Deka, Devajyoti; Alexander, Karen · 2021 · ROSA P / New Jersey. Dept. of Transportation. Bureau of Research

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Summary

This study addresses the growing transportation mobility challenges faced by New Jersey’s aging population, motivated by the state’s demographic shift where approximately 28% of residents are aged 55 or older. As older adults increasingly reside in automobile-oriented suburban areas with limited public transit, many face barriers to mobility, particularly those who cease driving. The research aimed to identify these specific needs and barriers, assess innovative mobility strategies, and generate recommendations for enhancing transportation access and safety for older adults across diverse geographic and socioeconomic contexts. The researchers employed a mixed-method approach involving literature reviews, secondary data analysis, key informant interviews, and two primary surveys. Secondary data from the Census, American Community Survey, and state transportation agencies were analyzed to map the location, growth, and heterogeneity of older adults in New Jersey. The team conducted scripted interviews with 12 key informants involved in innovative transportation practices nationwide. Additionally, they surveyed 157 municipal officials to assess local planning and service availability, and administered a statewide survey to 3,003 older adults (aged 55+) regarding their travel patterns, technology use, and mobility preferences. Key findings reveal significant trip deprivation among New Jersey’s older adults. Approximately 15% of respondents, representing over 360,000 individuals, forgo desired trips due to a lack of transportation. This deprivation is most acute among those in households without vehicles (55%), individuals with disabilities preventing public transit use (49%), and those with household incomes below $25,000 (33%). Secondary data analysis highlighted that while urban centers have higher concentrations of disadvantaged older adults, suburban areas are experiencing the fastest growth in this demographic. Survey results indicated that older adults prioritize affordable transit fares, subsidized ride-hailing services, and improved conventional public transportation. Furthermore, respondents expressed greater interest in using shared autonomous buses or vans provided by public or private agencies than in owning autonomous vehicles. A digital divide was also identified, with older adults aged 85+ and low-income households showing lower access to and use of technologies that could reduce travel needs, such as online shopping. The study concludes that transportation needs among older adults are highly heterogeneous, influenced by income, disability, age, and residential location. The authors recommend a multifaceted strategy including planning for door-to-door services, enhancing conventional transit, and implementing pilot programs for innovative technologies like ride-hailing subsidies and microtransit. They emphasize the need for coordinated efforts among government agencies, transit providers, and non-profits to address the specific barriers faced by disadvantaged subgroups, particularly in rapidly growing suburban areas. The research also generates datasets for future use by metropolitan planning organizations to better serve this expanding demographic.

Key finding

Approximately 15% of New Jersey older adults forgo desired trips due to lack of transportation, with trip deprivation rates highest among those without household vehicles and individuals with disabilities.

Methodology

mixed_methods

Sample size: 3160

Provenance

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Summary generated by qwen3.6-27b-prismaquant on 2026-06-10; verification: verified.

Topics

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• older drivers