SilverBus: enhancing mobility for seniors through demand responsive transport: a pre-post experimental study

Abstract The increasing trend of population aging has heightened interest in public transport policies that promote active aging. Given the limited availability of public funds, it is crucial to identify best practices and methodologies to guide public policy investments effectively. This study underscores the importance of thorough development, testing, and ex-post validation of hypotheses in transport policymaking for the elderly. The research, which was based on the analysis of survey data (250 valid interviews) collected prior to and following the trial of ‘SilverBus’ – a Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) service designed for residents over the age of 65 in Genoa, Italy – highlights the importance of the trial phase. The findings demonstrate that pre- and post-test analyses are essential to contain public costs and enhance service quality. The construction of a logistic regression model further aids in identifying significant factors influencing the willingness to use a tailored urban public mobility service dedicated to the over-65 residents. This comprehensive approach ensures that transport services are effectively aligned with the actual needs of the elderly population, promoting active aging and efficient use of public resources.