Six ways Kuba empowers older people on public transit
The importance of age-friendly transport
One of the most significant demographics impacted by social exclusion is people, especially women, in their 80s living alone.
In car-dependent regions, there is often a stigma associated with using public transportation, particularly for older adults who have driven or been driven throughout their lives. Transitioning from driving to relying on public transit can feel like a loss of independence.
Public transport access enables older people to engage with their community, helping them remain independent and maintain a good quality of life.
Whilst laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandate accessibility, many transit systems still lack reliable elevators, ramps, and low-floor buses, making it difficult for those with mobility issues, including those using walkers or canes.
By making transportation more accessible, affordable, and user-friendly, we can significantly reduce social exclusion. Our mobility-as-a-service app offers several features to help older people overcome some barriers to using public transportation.
Barriers faced by older people in public transit and how Kuba can help
1 Understanding fare systems
Many older people feel concerned about using the correct ticket on public transport. This concern may arise from confusion about fare systems, complex ticket machines, or fear of fines for mistakes. Seniors’ often limited income makes many cost-conscious and it can be confusing how to get the best value fare for their journey.
How can Kuba help?
Mobile and account-based ticketing
Users can purchase and store transit passes directly on their smartphones, removing the need to handle cash or visit ticket vending machines. Our app supports various fare types, including reduced fares for seniors, and implements fare capping to prevent overpaying for trips.
Account-based ticketing (ABT) is a system in which a ticket purchased is linked to a personal transit account, instead of a physical ticket or card. The senior person can link their eligibility for concession to that account. However they choose to pay, with a transit smart card, EMV card, or mobile wallet – in advance or PAYG – the concessionary fare will be available to them.
Contactless and mobile payment options with automatic fare capping/concessions enable older passengers to access the best fares. They don't need to pay upfront for period passes, which can be challenging for low-income people to get value.
2 Preference of using cash
Less tech-savvy people often find cash easier to handle than digital wallets or payment systems. Among these, many older people prefer cash to contactless or mobile payments due to a lack of familiarity and comfort with technology.
How can Kuba help?
Payment options
Our mobile app features a wallet that allows users to store multiple credit cards and supports Apple Pay. Users can also load cash into their wallet at participating retail locations, including those who prefer or rely on cash transactions.
3 Limited public transit options
Many cities and rural areas lack adequate public transportation, leaving older people without reliable travel options. Even when public transit exists, it often doesn't connect to vital places like hospitals, shops, or senior centres.
How can Kuba help?
Seamless multimodal integration
Our mobile app combines traditional public transit with microtransit, for example, ride-hailing services and paratransit and on-demand services, filling service gaps and providing end-to-end journey options.
4 Safety concerns
Issues such as crime, harassment, and the fear of being targeted as vulnerable passengers, particularly for older women travelling alone, act as major deterrents to using public transport.
How can Kuba help?
Safety features
Our mobile app provides real-time service and trip notifications, keeping users informed about any changes or disruptions and increasing their sense of security while travelling. Elerts, a real-time reporting tool for riders to use if they have safety concerns, want to report a crime or see damage to the station, is integrated into the app.
5 Long wait times and transfers
Infrequent services, long wait times, and multiple transfers make public transportation exhausting and impractical, especially for older people with health or mobility concerns.
How can Kuba help?
Trip planning
Our mobile app provides real-time trip planning with step-by-step navigation, helping users choose routes with fewer transfers and shorter walking distances. Many older individuals consult family members to help them plan routes in advance to ease travel anxiety.
Users can save planned trips for easy access and, once on public transport, follow their route directly on the map. They can view all intermediate stops in real time to avoid missing their stop and have extra time to prepare for arrival.
Personalisation
Users can save favourite routes, stops, and pass types, allowing quick access to frequently used services.
6 Digital divide and language barriers
Many older people may get frustrated with apps and digital solutions because of visual or cognitive difficulties. It's important to acknowledge these challenges.
How can Kuba help?
Accessibility
Our mobile app features options such as large text and simple navigation. It can also be configured in multiple languages to accommodate diverse users.
Improving public transportation for older people, especially those living alone, fosters independence and reduces social exclusion. Addressing barriers through solutions like the Kuba app can help older people navigate their communities confidently.
