Background: Population ageing is a challenge for society, with conventional solutions which were developed primarily to suit those of working age perhaps no longer sufficing. Public transport is a system traditionally designed to suit “the masses”, but with a changing composition of masses, it could be necessary to re-think its provision. This study provides an insight into the use and non-use of public transport by older adults through applying the Capability Approach framework to analyse the connection between mobility resources and the travel behaviour of this group. 

Methods: Swedish national travel survey and postal code area data were compiled in order to analyse the connection between the mobility resources of this group (independent variables) and their likelihood to use – and capability of using – public transport (dependent variables). Logistic regressions were employed for these analyses. 

Results: Interestingly, age did not have a statistically significant association with either of the dependent variables (at a threshold of p≤0.05). The health indicator and car reliance variables had statistically significant associations (positive and negative, respectively) with both dependent variables. Higher density and gender (female) both had a statistically significant positive influence on the odds of being categorised as a user of public transport. 

Conclusions: There is evidence of both interpersonal and inter-group variation in the resources as well as their connection with travel behaviour. This highlights the importance of focusing on the differences between individuals and sub-groups within this age group when developing policies in public transport provision.