Travel choices are backed

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), August 30, 2008

TRANSPORT options need to steer away from a "one size fits all approach" to better serve our ageing population, according to a Tyneside expert.

Dr Jenny Brake, from Newcastle University, says bookable transport services such as dedicated taxis and "shopping buses" operating in the North East are heading in the right direction.

But she claims communication has to be improved between local authorities and elderly residents to ensure they are getting the services they need the most. "We often speak about older people being isolated from public transport if they live in rural areas, but it can be just as much of a problem in the city," said Dr Brake, from the university's School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences.

"If you can't physically get to your local bus stop then it doesn't matter how good the service is," she added.

Her research suggests it's the variety of options available that is important. Dr Brake is presenting her findings at the Urban Transport Conference in Malta on Monday.