The commuting patterns of older adults

• Main Authors: WONG, Yen Cong, TAN, Yan Er, CHEONG, Grace
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Institutional Knowledge at Singapore Management University 2022
• Subjects: Senior citizens; older adults; transportation; public transport; Singapore; Asian Studies; Gerontology; Transportation
• Online Access: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/rosa_reports/11; https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/context/rosa_reports/article/1010/viewcontent/Commuting_Aug22.pdf
• Institution: Singapore Management University

This research brief uses data from the Singapore Life Panel (SLP) and provides a general description of the commuting patterns of older adults in November 2021. By outlining the latter, we aim to provide some indication of whether Singapore’s transport infrastructure adequately supports the commute needs of older adults and how older adults’ commute fares against the Land Transport Authority (LTA) of Singapore’s Land Transport Master Plan (LTMP). Key findings: 1. Self-owned car (32.8%) was the most preferred mode of transport, followed by the public bus (25.3%), MRT (24.4%) and walking (8.3%). 2. In terms of utilization, public bus (50.3%), MRT (39.7%), walking (23.2%) and self-owned car (21.0%) were the most common modes of transport in older adults’ commute to work. 3. While the average work commute took 44 minutes, close to two fifths of older adults (38.8%) took longer than the LTA’s targeted 45 minutes to commute to work. Older adults who took multiple modes of transport generally had a longer work commute. 4. A majority of older adults were generally satisfied with their commute to work, with 38.7% and 33.4% being moderately satisfied and very satisfied respectively. 5. Respondents were more satisfied with commutes that only utilize one transport mode, take a shorter commute time and are active commutes. Policy recommendations: Based on these findings, we find that older adults’ commuting patterns generally points towards a success in the LTA’s efforts to achieve the goals set out by the LTMP. With regards to the length of work commute, however, more needs to be done to meet the LTMP’s goal of 45 minutes or shorter commutes to work. Additionally, given that a significant proportion of older adults rely on public transport for their travel needs, including those with some degree of mobility impairment, improving the connectivity and efficiency of Singapore’s transport system, while also keeping in mind the needs of those with mobility impairments will be important as Singapore embraces an aging society. In ensuring ease of access across the public transport network, this will facilitate older Singaporeans’ independence and participation in daily life as they age gracefully.