Psychosocial Barriers to Public Transport Use Triggers Older Adults’ Social Exclusion: Empirical Evidence from Pakistan

Abstract

Limited transport access contributes to social exclusion, which negatively influences individual health. However, with the rapidly growing aging population, the problems related to public transport accessibility are becoming increasingly prominent. Therefore, understanding the psychological factors related to public transportation use is critical given that this could lead to greater mobility and social inclusion, particularly for older adults who require special attention. This study utilizes an extended Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and identifies which psychosocial factors of public transportation use better predict and explain social exclusion. It is unique because it combines perceived ability and social support with the TPB framework to explore the factors that influence social exclusion behavior. Partial least squares structural equation modeling validated a sample of 264 older adults (aged 60 and above) living in selected zones of metropolitan Lahore, Pakistan. The results showed that social norms, attitudes, perceived ability, and social support significantly negatively correlated with social exclusion, whereas perceived behavioral control did not. This study highlights the importance of psychosocial aspects in examining social exclusion and provides recommendations for urban policy makers and transportation planners. The research findings could be equally valuable for developing socially sustainable and healthy urban communities.