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Transportation

Texas Member Transportation Survey

Research Report

Anita Stowell-Ritter, AARP Knowledge Management

April 2004


AARP MEMBER OPINION RESEARCH: Transportation is a major element in maintaining independence. To gain a better understanding of the transportation options and problems of AARP members in Texas, this study mailed a survey to more than 5,000 of them, including an oversampling of members aged 75+. A total of 2,677 usable surveys were returned and analyzed.

Some of the key findings are as follows:

  • More than 9 in 10 Texas members report that driving is their primary mode of transportation. About 3 in 5 members aged 85+ do so.

  • Approximately 3 in 4 (76%) members report that they drive daily. Only 1 percent report that they use public transportation on at least a weekly basis.

  • About 1 in 4 or fewer members report having problems that prevent them from going where they want to go. Age and disability status have a dramatic impact on ease of transportation, as does being a nondriver.

  • Most members are satisfied with their ability to get to where they need to go, with age, health and disability status, and driving status again influencing satisfaction greatly.

The report was prepared by Anita Stowell-Ritter of AARP Knowledge Management. For more information about this survey, contact Anita Stowell-Ritter at 202/434-6205. (68 pages)