Title

Evaluation of airport improvements for older adults

Document Type

Conference Paper

Publication Date

2007

Subject Area

Infrastructure - Facilities, Location - USA, Mobility - Disability Discrimination Act, Modes of Transport - Aeroplane, Population - Elderly, Transport services - Cost

Abstract

Some transport planners and architects and transportation service providers express the concern that the number of people who benefit from compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Guidelines (ADAAG) or similar accessibility regulations does not warrant the costs incurred. The purpose of this paper is to address issues surrounding this generalization, and to reframe the perspective of compliance in order to more clearly recognize its value. The United Nations has projected that the number of people 65 and older worldwide will increase from 420 million in 2000 to 835 million by 2025 [United Nations, 2006]. As people age they experience certain mobility, agility, sensory and cognitive problems that have major implications for airport design. There are many airport improvements that can compensate for these impairments. However, cost is a major consideration for their implementation. The challenges in costing these airport improvements include, determining the marginal cost of the proposed enhancement, retrofitting versus new construction, equivalent facilitation, selection of appropriate technology and associated costs, and the impact of competition as the market of seniors and persons with disabilities expands. While a growing number of older adults could create a lucrative market niche for air service providers, it is less clear that the cost of pursuing these enhancements will be worth the benefits derived. Two commonly used methods for gauging the viability of airport investments are benefit-cost (B/C) analysis and return-on-investment (ROI). The applicability of these methods is discussed. The main conclusion from this review is that improvements which are typically viewed as only catering to needs of persons with disabilities also help older adults with less severe impairments, and in most instances, facilitate all air travelers on their journey. It is recommended that detailed research be pursued on adequately quantifying the cost of airport improvements needed to comply with ADAAG and the potential revenues generated; and that B/C analysis and/or ROI be applied to sample projects to gauge their financial viability.