Abstract Manager

The changes in capabilities that accompany the process of aging may lead older adults to reduce or give up driving. In car-dominant contexts like Canada, this may represent a significant challenge for this growing segment of the population, as trips could become difficult to make without access to a car and could lead to relying on family members and friends for daily transport needs. Providing adequate transport options such as public transit could be vital to ensure older adults continue to travel independently and are able to meet their needs without having to drive. This research centers on the experiences and perceptions of older adults to understand how public transit can better serve their needs and what it means to grow older in different contexts across Canada. This research is based on data from two waves of the Aging in Place survey, a bilingual online survey disseminated among Canadians over the age of 65 in February (n = 3,551) and September (n = 1,966) 2023. Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Halifax, Victoria, and Saskatoon were selected as study locations to ensure a variety of geographies, population, and levels of public transit services. Across all regions, we find that older Canadians believe daily travel contributes strongly to their quality of life, and that as they age, they wish to keep getting around independently. Survey respondents in the three larger cities, Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, are more likely to be frequent transit users compared to their counterparts in Halifax, Victoria, and Saskatoon, and are more satisfied with the public transit service in their region. Those living in the smaller three cities are more reliant on their private vehicles to get around, and most of them do not believe they would be able to maintain their quality of life if they were to stop driving. Across all six regions, those living in more walkable areas have a more positive outlook on their lives post driving cessation, stressing the importance of adequate transport alternatives. The results of our study highlight the transport challenges older Canadians are facing and their impacts on their quality of life. The study concludes with policy recommendations that can be adopted across Canada to help in increasing the mobility and well-being of older adults.