Impact analysis of reduced fare programme for older people on step counts per day and travel behaviour

Abstract

This study verifies the impact of the reduced fare programme for senior citizens on the step count per day, visited places and the modal share of public transportation. We targeted citizens over 65 years in Toyama City, Japan. The city operates a Special Pass Project, which allows passholders to receive a public transportation discount fare to the city centre from any station or stop in the city. We selected participants randomly and collected global positioning system log data and step counts for one month. Participants were instructed to wear the provided instruments, which we configured in advance. We analysed and compared the results between passholders and non-passholders. Passholders walked more than non-passholders. In addition, passholders visited more places in the city centre. Moreover, the modal share of public transportation between the city centre and home was higher for passholders than for non-passholders. These results confirm that the reduced fare programme supports active lifestyles for senior citizens.