Travel Behavior of Transportation-Disadvantaged Populations: Trends and Geographic Disparities

Older adults, people with disabilities, individuals in low-income households, and those living in rural areas can face significant mobility challenges. This study examines travel behavior and mobility of these transportation-disadvantaged groups, including trip rates, miles driven, mode shares, and other behavior, by analyzing data from the 2017 National Household Travel Survey (NHTS). The study also examines trends in travel behavior, by comparing results to data from 2009 and 2001. The data reveal significant differences in travel behavior based on age, disability, income, and geography. Older adults, people with disabilities, and those with low income are shown to drive less and make fewer trips. Results from a cluster analysis show that groups comprised of people who are lower income, older, and those who have a condition or disability were the most transportation disadvantaged. Those in rural areas are more reliant on the automobile, and while they drive more miles, they take fewer trips per day on average. Results also show a continuation of trends, including a narrowing of the gender gap for older adults, a decrease in overall trip rates and miles driven, and an increase in transit mode shares. Understanding trends in the travel behavior of transportation-disadvantaged populations in rural areas and other geographic contexts is important for understanding how well the mobility needs of these populations are being met and for informing policy and transportation investment decisions.

• Record URL:
  https://www.ugpti.org/resources/reports/details.php?id=1057
• Supplemental Notes:
  • This document was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation, University Transportation Centers Program.
• Corporate Authors:

  Small Urban, Rural and Tribal Center on Mobility

  Western Transportation Institute
  Montana State University
  Bozeman, MT  United States 

  Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute

  Small Urban and Rural Center on Mobility
  North Dakota State University
  Fargo, ND  United States 

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Mattson, Jeremy
  • 0000-0002-0826-5834
  • Molina, Antonio
• Publication Date: 2022-2

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 72p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Cluster analysis; Mobility; Transportation disadvantaged persons; Travel behavior; Trend (Statistics)
• Identifier Terms: National Household Travel Survey
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Society; Transportation (General);

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01837387
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: SURTCOM 22-10
• Files: UTC, TRIS, ATRI, USDOT
• Created Date: Feb 28 2022 9:14AM