Impact of transit training and free bus pass on public transportation use by older drivers.
OBJECTIVE
The present pilot study examines the impact of group transit training for older adults in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, between 2005 and 2006.


METHODS
Data were collected from 41 participants, randomly assigned to three groups: 1) a control group that received no group transit training or free bus pass, 2) a group receiving group transit training only, and 3) a group receiving group transit training and a free bus pass. Participants were followed longitudinally for 1 year.


RESULTS
No differences were found between groups in days or miles driven per week when comparing self-reported data prior to and 3 months following the intervention. However, there was a difference in self-reported bus use across groups; both groups who received group transit training used the bus more frequently, X(2) (2)=10.89, p<.01.


CONCLUSIONS
This preliminary investigation suggests that transit training may be effective at increasing the use of public transportation for older adults.
Stepaniuk
Janet A
JA
Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. janets@uvic.ca
Tuokko
Holly
H
McGee
Phyllis
P
Garrett
Douglas D
DD
Benner
Erron L
EL
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D001955:British Columbia; D005260:Female; D005853:Geriatrics; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D018986:Motor Vehicles / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011634:Public Health; D012449:Safety; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014186:Transportation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*