Influence of Built Environment, Trip Attributes and Socio-demographics on Trip Duration and Travel Mode Choice of The Elderly in a Depopulated and Hyperaging Area: A Case Study of Ome City, Tokyo

Abstract

Hyperaging and depopulation are two of the main pressing issues due to sustained low fertility and mortality in Japan as well as in many other countries. The dramatic growth of the elderly population is expected to affect the urban and transport system significantly. A better understanding on daily mobility patterns of seniors is important for aging society. This study investigates the determinants of daily travel time expenditure and travel mode choice for the elderly as compared with young adults. A duration model and a multinomial logit model are respectively estimated by applying the Ome personal trip survey data. The results indicate not only common determinants but also highlights a significant influence of the built environment on the elderly travel patterns. Meanwhile, the results provide some insights for policymakers into promoting public transport use and active travel mode such as cycling and walking.