[2 December 2008, Munich] The local Munich newspaper “TZ” covered the issue of older people’s mobility in a whole-page article. Now that “accessibility” is a commonly recognised issue and now that low-floor vehicles are an everyday reality, has the task of accommodating the needs of older passengers been completed? Far from it! Older people do have specific requirements – and very often even small improvements can make a radical difference.

The Salzburg local transport company “StadtBus” was probably the first in Europe to start its own project for older people. It partnered with the local older people's association ZGB, which has extensive experience in the field.

It is important to recognise that older people – and in Salzburg the oldest regular passenger is 95 years old! – do have specific requirements. They may not hear or see well, and they suffer from reduced muscular strength. Such age-related symptoms lead to increased stress – especially when boarding or alighting from vehicles.

Among older people the fear of falling is a major reason to avoid using public transport. It is therefore crucial for public transport operators to recognise such fears, to make the necessary improvements, and to communicate these to passengers. In Salzburg, for example, every bus driver is trained to take into consideration the specific needs of older passengers. The ticket controllers as well as call centre and service centre personnel are also trained in this respect.

Regular feedback is collected from passengers. For example, the most frequent wish voiced by older passengers is for drivers to stop closer to the curb. This request is easy to fulfil and is one of the training topics for drivers. Very often wishes like this do not even cost much. Other frequent requests are to have seats available near the doors for easy access, and to have a stop-request button within easy reach.

At StadtBus, corporate social responsibility is constantly improved with regard to older people’s mobility. Twice a year mobility days are organised where useful tips and tricks are taught to passengers. This includes both presentations as well as learning in actual traffic situations.

How did all this begin? Four years ago the “Center for Generations and Accessibility”, a local NGO in Salzburg, started a helpline for older people. Half of the complaints related to the local public transport services. Action was immediately taken: StadtBus hired a dedicated person and started a new project for older people. The results speak for themselves and now serve as an example for other European cities as well.


The above is a summary of an article written by Karl-Heinz Dix.

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