Comparaison des caractéristiques des organismes de transport en commun du Québec selon la ruralité : vers l’identification de nouvelles opportunités pour favoriser la participation sociale des aînés

Abstract

This study aimed to describe and compare, according to rurality, the characteristics of regular public transit and paratransit in Quebec municipalities. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using an online questionnaire with public transit agencies, two activity reports and open data portal. Representatively distributed among 573 (50.4%) municipalities and boroughs in Quebec, a sample of 72 (43.9%) transit organizations was considered. Inequalities have been mainly identified in the supply of regular transit. Metropolitan areas stand out by lower fares, smaller distances between stops, higher volume of ridership and total distance travelled by kilometres of municipal roads. In comparison to metropolitan areas, urban and rural areas presented fewer complaints, and more paratransit was offered all days.

Keywords

• aging
• public transit
• paratransit
• older adults
• municipal
• public health