‘Even if they're late or it takes forever … I will get home’: Exploring lived experiences of older paratransit users
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Background: Older adults with disabilities face significant transportation barriers, limiting healthcare access and social participation. Paratransit services aim to address these gaps, but usability challenges persist. This study examined the experiences of older paratransit users to identify barriers and facilitators affecting their healthcare access and community engagement. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 participants aged 55 and older, recruited via purposive sampling from Baltimore, Maryland. Interviews, lasting 30-75 min, explored eligibility processes, scheduling experiences, interpersonal interactions, and the perceived impact of paratransit on healthcare and social activities. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis guided by a conceptual framework addressing logistical, environmental, and social factors. Results: Six primary themes emerged: independence and social connectivity, staff professionalism and equipment maintenance, logistical barriers, misalignment of service provision with needs of older riders, environmental and safety factors, and the role of social support. While paratransit services supported independence and engagement, barriers such as complex eligibility, scheduling inefficiencies, extended wait times, and equipment failures compounded physical and emotional strain. Environmental and safety concerns, including inclement weather and fears of crime, further limited accessibility. Social support from family, peers, and staff mitigated some challenges, though negative staff interactions and system inefficiencies often heightened frustrations. Discussion: Paratransit systems are essential for older adults with disabilities, yet systemic and logistical barriers reduce their effectiveness. Targeted reforms, including enhanced funding, workforce training, and user-centered design, are necessary to improve equity and reliability, ensuring paratransit services meet the needs of an aging population.
Source: Journal of Transport & Health
Institutions: University of Maryland, Baltimore, University of Michigan
Language: English
Subfield: Transportation
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,720
Awards: G1517631320, G2997106889, G3764609238, Johns Hopkins Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, University of Maryland Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center (OAIC), The ENRICH Study: Engaging Community and Municipal Services to Promote High Quality Aging in Place After Hip Fracture, Research Training in the Epidemiology of Aging
OpenAlex ID: W4410081133