Prioritising User-Friendly Urban Public Transport for the Zimbabwean Elderly

Abstract

The population of the aged 60 and above is growing steadily and
vigorously, faster than any other age group. There will be about two
billion elderly adults by 2050, constituting quite a large part of the
world society. This anticipated rapid growth in the elderly
population poses a great challenge for transport planners. It is vital
to maintain the mobility of elderly people to ensure that they
continue to engage in civic and social life, take part in community
activities, and pursue human interactions that enrich their health,
well-being and quality of life from a social integration perspective.
The article examines the challenges faced by planners in the provision
of user-friendly urban public transport for the elderly. The study
focuses on a case material of the Zimbabwe United Passenger Bus
Company (ZUPCO). Study findings reveal that public transport for
the elderly remains a critical issue in the Zimbabwean context due to
a variety of challenges such as poor transport infrastructure, driver
recklessness, lack of due regard for the travelling elderly people, lack
of a public transport customer care policy, traffic congestion and lack
of appropriate regulatory framework, among others.