(APRIL 6, 2000 - Baltimore) -- The Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) has released the results of a transportation study that documents the travel characteristics of the growing elderly population (age 65+) in the Baltimore region. This study was one of the first in the United States to document both central city and suburban elderly travel characteristics. The study was conducted to bridge the gap between national-level elderly travel studies, and regional demographic data which shows accelerating elderly population growth in the Baltimore suburbs.

This study was conducted by the Ketron Division of the Bionetics Corporation. The study clearly shows the strong dependence of region's pre-Baby Boom elderly population on the private automobile for short and longer distance travel - both as drivers (58%) and ridesharing passengers (34%).

Based on telephone surveys, travel diaries, and focus group, the study documented three levels of Elderly Travel Need. The study found that 7% to 8% of the senior population throughout the region are in the "High Need" category, characterized as traveling infrequently, having a moderate to severe physical disability, and reliant on friends and family for both long and short-distance travel.

According to the study, 13% of suburban seniors and 26% of seniors in Baltimore City are in the "Moderate Need" category, characterized by moderately frequent travel, reliance on friends and family for longer-distance (but not short-distance) travel, mild physical disabilities, and no driver's license or reduced driving.

The study further found that 79% of suburban seniors and 65% of Baltimore City seniors are in the "Low Need" category, characterized by frequent travel, no reliance on friends and family, and no or insignificant physical disabilities.

On a closely related issue, the study documented an extremely high level of in-place retirement among Baltimore region seniors. Over 90% of elderly respondents in the study plan to remain in place while only 6.6% plan to move.

The full study ($20 US) and technical appendices ($5 US) are available from the Baltimore Metropolitan Council, Regional Information Center, 601 North Howard Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. For detailed ordering information, contact Mary Logan at 410-333-4881. VISA and Mastercard accepted.

For further information on the Baltimore Region Elderly Activity Patterns & Travel Characteristics Study, contact W. Earl Long, BMC Senior Transportation Planner, at elong@baltometro.org.

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