Results from Fairfax Area Mobility & Transportation Options Survey for Older Adults and People with Disabilities

In March, AARP Virginia encouraged Fairfax residents to take the Fairfax Area Mobility Options Survey for Older Adults and People with Disabilities.  The results are in and you can view the full report here.  The survey instrument used 27 questions to learn about current trip patterns, unmet needs, barriers, and awareness of existing services. All older adults and people with disabilities residing in Fairfax County and the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church were invited to participate. The survey yielded 1,163 responses, many thanks to those who responded.

Key Findings

• Twenty-seven percent of respondents were unable to get to a destination in the past month.
• The majority were unaware of the free travel training programs.
• Those with the lowest annual household incomes are most likely to not leave their homes in a typical week.
• A significant number restrict driving to avoid rush hours, inclement weather, and driving after dark.
• Thirty-four percent of older adults and people with disabilities who have difficulty finding transportation are not aware of any fare discounts, or taxi subsidies.
• Inaccessible bus stops, unsafe pedestrian crossings, and limited service prevent use of public transit.

For more information about the Fairfax Area Mobility Transportation Options Survey for Older Adults and People with Disabilities, contact Jill Clark at Jill.Clark@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-324-5874; TTY 711.