Mode use and trip length of seniors in Montreal

• The multi-modal travel behavior of seniors in Montreal is investigated.
• Joint discrete–continuous modeling of mode choice and trip length is conducted for the case of seniors in Montreal.
• The analysis identifies various determinants of propensity to travel by different modes, and the length of trips.
• Use of spatial analysis highlights the existence of substantial intra-urban variations in walking behavior.

Rapid demographic aging in countries around the world has prompted an interest in understanding the mobility patterns of seniors. While much research has been conducted in terms of motorized modes, the promotion of healthy aging argues for new research to investigate the multi-modal travel behavior of seniors including active travel. The objective of this paper is to investigate the factors that influence the use of two motorized and one active mode of transportation, and their corresponding trip length. A joint discrete–continuous modeling framework allows us to examine the tendency to travel by different modes using a multinomial structure, and trip length using a hazard formulation. Data are drawn from Montreal’s Household Travel Survey of 2008. A broad array of covariates related to individual and household attributes and urban form are used. The results of the analysis reveal a significant degree of geographical variability in the travel behavior of seniors in Montreal. In particular, estimates for seniors with different socio-economic and demographic profiles show substantial intra-urban variability in walking behavior, and the role of neighborhood design attributes in influencing the mobility of seniors.