Impact of transit training and free bus pass on public transportation use by older drivers

Purpose 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, X2 (2) = 10.89, p < .01. Conclusion This preliminary investigation suggests that transit training may be effective at increasing the use of public transportation for older adults.