Research Idea Details

Urban and Rural Transportation Needs of an Aging Population

  • Focus Area: Context Sensitive Solutions
  • Status: Archived
  • Subcommittee: Community & Cultural Concerns, Environmental Process
  • Cost: $100k-$249k
  • Timeframe: 1-2 years

Research Idea Scope

Scope: To maintain the safe and efficient mobility of an aging population, this research proposal seeks to improve the understanding of urban and rural transportation needs that would inform and enhance the development of human services transportation plans. To meet this objective, the following key tasks are required:

• Assess future urban and rural characteristics that include, but are not limited to demographics, economy, and housing.

• Assess urban and rural transportation service level needs to maintain appropriate quality of life standards e.g., healthcare and employment.

• Identify existing gaps in transportation policy, tools, and partnerships.

Urgency and Payoff

The United States’ population aged 65 and over is expected to double over the next 20 years to 71.5 million. Today’s decision-making and infrastructure development may not adequately comprehend or account for the transportation needs of this population. To help ensure that future mobility needs are safely and efficiently met, the comprehensive planning and implementation of transportation systems need to reflect this demographic shift.

Suggested By:
Jason Beloso, Washington State Department of Transportation 206.464.1259
[email protected]
Submitted:
05/07/2012