Goal 4 of the Positive Ageing Strategy
Transport – affordable and accessible transport options for older people
On this page:
Maintaining mobility for older people is crucial for their wellbeing, their ability to access services and their continued connection to their communities.
Details below about this goal are taken from the 2014 report on the Positive Ageing Strategy, published in April 2015. Your feedback will help inform the next comprehensive update due to be carried out in 2017.
More information and references are available by downloading a full copy of the report.
Transport: key achievements
- Providing free off-peak public transport and parking concessions
- Promoting the use of public transport
- Offering the Total Mobility Scheme
- Promoting transport options for older people who no longer have driver licences
What’s happening?
Government and councils support older people’s mobility…
The Government and councils support older people who drive with services such as driver licence renewals, accessible parking options and education on the safe use of vehicles and mobility scooters. Those who don’t have licences can access public transport and alternative transport schemes.
The SuperGold Card provides older people in many parts of the country with free off-peak access to public transport. About 65 million SuperGold Card trips have been taken since the scheme was introduced in 2008, and it received $26 million in funding for 2014/2015. The Ministry of Transport is currently reviewing the scheme for its long-term sustainability.
… but there are issues in small towns and rural areas
In smaller towns and rural areas, older people can have problems accessing regular transport, including public transport and paid services such as taxis and buses. This can leave them isolated from vital services and social interactions. There are concerns that remote rural towns with little available transport to key services will shrink as older people move closer to urban areas to access health services.
Mobility scooter use has increased
Mobility scooters can greatly enhance older people’s lives by giving them more independence, especially if they don’t have driver licences.
The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) provides advice and guidance on the safe use of mobility scooters, but these vehicles don’t require driver licences, warrants of fitness or registration. As they become larger and more powerful, agencies and councils may need to take action to ensure user and public safety.
Examples of services and programmes
Whangarei City Council – 70+ parking fee exemption card
Whangarei City Council’s 70+ parking fee exemption card entitles residents aged 70-plus to park their vehicles for free at any council car park in Whangarei for the maximum time indicated on the meter or car park. At least 8,000 cards have been issued.
OSC and NZTA – No Car. No Problem. information campaign
OSC and NZTA have developed a pamphlet on the transport options available to older people who don’t have driver licences, such as community transport, mobility scooters and public transport.
Councils and NZTA – Total Mobility Scheme
Many councils offer subsidised transport (such as taxis) for people who can’t access regular transport services; a large number are older people. The number of Total Mobility Scheme users is steadily increasing, and the NZTA is currently scoping a review of its operation.
So how are we doing?
Transport is vital to older people maintaining their social connections and accessing the services they need.
It’s encouraging to see the growing use of the SuperGold card, and driver safety programmes for older people. However, those living in small and rural areas with limited alternatives to driving may find it difficult to get health care and other services and stay connected with friends and family.
It’s important that local councils consider, plan and implement viable transport and infrastructure options for the ageing population.
What do you think?
- What options are available in rural regions to enable older people without driver licences to get better access to transport?
- How do we make sure mobility scooters are safe for users and the wider public?
If you would like to share with us your views on Goal 4, then please send us an email.