[September 2008, Salzburg] The local public transport operator in Salzburg, StadtBus, carried out a survey among its older passengers in September 2008. The results clearly show the need to take into consideration the specific requirements of senior passengers, and that boarding and exiting vehicles represent the biggest difficulties: 20% of older passengers stated that they face regular difficulties in this respect; 20% reported frequent difficulties; and 21% reported having difficulties “from time to time”. Only 39% of older passengers said that getting on and off vehicles represents absolutely no problems for them.

With respect to their experience during the journey, 62% said that they have no difficulties of any kind; 21% had difficulties sometimes; 12% had difficulties more often; and 5% very often encounter some kind of problems while travelling.

The survey results also demonstrate that older passengers tend to be more satisfied with public transport services than the average of all passengers. Among senior StadtBus users, 88% described the services as “very good” and “good”, and 75% of older people were “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with the comfort on board. Of those interviewed, 42% travel with StadtBus almost daily. This figure clearly shows the importance of public transport for older people: keeping mobile means taking an active part in life. Almost 80% said that they have reduced mobility due to age. It is interesting to note that 23% of the people who responded to the questionnaire were over 80 years old.

One comment made in response to the questionnaire was that "buses should stop closer to the pavement, to make the dreaded moment of getting off easier”.