Enhancing senior mobility: the role of public transport attributes in improving travel satisfaction and quality of life

Despite growing interest in mobility and well-being in older age, the relationship between public transport attributes, travel satisfaction, and quality of life has not been sufficiently examined within one integrated analytical framework. This study examines how public transport attributes influence travel satisfaction and quality of life (QoL) among older adults in urban environments. Data were collected from 478 individuals aged 60 + across five Polish cities using online and telephone surveys. The analysis focused on five dimensions of the travel experience: transit stop amenities, service provision, in-vehicle experience, fare affordability, and comfort. Travel satisfaction was measured using the multidimensional Satisfaction with Travel Scale (STS), integrating both cognitive and affective aspects, while QoL was assessed using subjective life satisfaction indicators. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) revealed that comfort and the travel environment were the strongest predictors of travel satisfaction, which in turn was positively associated with QoL Socioeconomic factors, such as education and income, were also positively associated with QoL. The findings extend existing models by incorporating age-specific attributes and highlighting the importance of experiential dimensions of travel. Practical recommendations include upgrading stop infrastructure, reducing crowding, enhancing vehicle conditions, and fostering respectful driver–passenger interactions. Although the study focuses on Polish contexts, the results have broader implications for aging societies worldwide, particularly in regions facing similar socio-demographic and infrastructural challenges. The study underscores the need for inclusive, user-centered transport policies that move beyond efficiency and functionality, ensuring that mobility fosters active, fulfilling, and sustainable lives for older adults.