Exploring First Time Transportation Network Company Use with Older Adults with Expressed Barriers to Driving
Event Type
Presentation
Start Date
12-10-2017 9:00 AM
End Date
12-10-2017 12:00 PM
Description
Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) are a quickly growing transportation option based on the mobile data platform smartphones provide. TNCs, like Uber, may provide an alternative transportation option for older adults facing barriers to driving. Multiple transportation methods have been explored with older adults (i.e. public transit, paratransit, taxis, etc.); however currently there is very little literature regarding TNC use with older adults.
Recommended Citation
McCarthy, D. P., Fritsche, L., Malikayil, R., & Wray, C. (2017), Exploring First Time Transportation Network Company Use with Older Adults with Expressed Barriers to Driving, Presentation, Third Annual Research Colloquium, https://nsuworks.nova.edu/ot_colloquium/third/events/3
Exploring First Time Transportation Network Company Use with Older Adults with Expressed Barriers to Driving
Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) are a quickly growing transportation option based on the mobile data platform smartphones provide. TNCs, like Uber, may provide an alternative transportation option for older adults facing barriers to driving. Multiple transportation methods have been explored with older adults (i.e. public transit, paratransit, taxis, etc.); however currently there is very little literature regarding TNC use with older adults.
Comments
Methods: A mixed methods exploratory approach was used to discover olderadults’ perceptions of Uber. Methodologyencompassed education and implementation of TNC services with older adults 56-92 years old. Participants (n= 11) received an Uber training session and two free rides. First impression interviews gathered qualitative data regarding experience; and Likert scales gathered quantitative data on senior- friendliness.
Results: Several themes emerged: 1) the majority of participants were satisfied 2) if tech-savvy, Uber was generally easy to use 3) services were convenient 4) negative experiences were driver specific 5) participants would use Uber again, and 6) would conditionally recommendit to a friend. Uber’s qualities of senior- friendliness were averaged as follows: Availability 9.0 (SD= 0.79), Accessibility 8.8 (SD= 1.37), Acceptability 8.7 (SD= 1.54), Affordability 9.0 (SD= 0.94), and Adaptability 7.8 (SD= 1.21) with higher scores indicating higher senior- friendliness ratings.
Conclusion: Most participants perceived Uber as a senior-friendly option based onthe Beverly Foundation’s five A's ofsenior-friendly transportation, suggesting that older adults view TNCs as a viable alternative to driving. Therefore, TNCs have the potential to be an effective option for providing community mobility for older adults facing barriers to driving.