Responding to New Trends Through a Usability Approach

The high cost of fuel and the rising number of older drivers who will turn to transit are major trends transit services will need to accommodate in the near future. This article suggests that transit usability will be especially important as older people make their way from car to transit, and must learn how to navigate systems that are new to them. The article describes transit usability, and breaks it down into four areas: ease of use, effectiveness, comfort, and aesthetics. Each influence how people feel when using a product—including transit. The article then lists ways in which transit operators can achieve these important elements, including user testing. In addition, the article also warns that increased demand for paratransit service can overwhelm transit agency budgets. One way to reduce the need for paratransit is to design a service with higher usability for older travelers.