How can seniors access affordable transportation in smart cities?

2 Active transportation

Active transportation refers to the use of human-powered modes of transportation, such as walking, cycling, and scooting. These options can promote the physical and mental health of seniors, as well as reduce the congestion and pollution of urban areas. For seniors, active transportation can offer more autonomy, enjoyment, and connection with the environment than motorized modes. However, some challenges to active transportation for seniors include the lack of infrastructure, safety, and comfort. Smart cities can address these challenges by providing more pedestrian and cycling paths, crossings, and signals, enhancing the security and lighting of public spaces, and offering incentives and facilities for active travel.

3 Public transit

Public transit refers to the use of transportation modes that are operated by public authorities or agencies, such as buses, trains, subways, and light rail. These options can provide a high-capacity and low-cost service for seniors, as well as reduce the dependency on private cars. For seniors, public transit can offer more accessibility, affordability, and integration than other modes. However, some difficulties to public transit for seniors include the lack of frequency, reliability, and information. Smart cities can improve these aspects by implementing real-time data and communication systems, optimizing the routes and schedules of public transit, and providing more guidance and assistance for seniors.

4 Autonomous vehicles

Autonomous vehicles refer to the use of transportation modes that are driven by artificial intelligence and sensors, such as self-driving cars, shuttles, and pods. These options can offer a high level of convenience, safety, and efficiency for seniors, as well as reduce the human error and fatigue of driving. For seniors, autonomous vehicles can offer more independence, comfort, and personalization than conventional vehicles. However, some obstacles to autonomous vehicles for seniors include the lack of regulation, acceptance, and affordability. Smart cities can overcome these obstacles by developing and testing the legal and ethical frameworks for autonomous vehicles, educating and engaging seniors about the benefits and risks of this technology, and subsidizing and partnering with the private sector to provide more affordable and accessible services.