One of the major structural changes facing Australia over coming decades is the ageing of the population. A challenge for government is how to meet the transport requirements of Australia’s senior population as their mobility declines. Transport can provide seniors with an essential link to friends, family and the wider community. It helps them to maintain independence and quality of life as their physical health declines and helps them when they are unable to continue driving. Effective alternatives to cars are important to help older people remain mobile.

The ageing of the population in South Australia is a prime example of the situation in this country. South Australia’s population is projected to increase by 620,300 people (39%) to 2.2 million people by 2056, with particularly strong growth in the population aged 65 years and over (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2011, Faulkner et al., 2007). Adelaide is therefore an appropriate setting for this study, which investigates the key transport and mobility issues facing seniors.