Ahead of EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK 2025, we sat down with Julia Wadoux, Policy Manager on Healthy Ageing and Accessibility at AGE Platform Europe, to talk about this year’s campaign theme: Mobility for Everyone. Our conversation explored what this means in practice, particularly when it comes to ensuring that older adults are meaningfully included in local mobility planning. 

 
Could you briefly describe what AGE Platform Europe does, and what inspired you to work in this field?

AGE Platform Europe is an umbrella organisation made up of groups that represent and support older people across Europe. We currently have around 100 member organisations covering almost all EU countries. At the heart of our mission is the belief that everyone should be able to enjoy their rights throughout their lifetime. That is our starting point. It means addressing age discrimination, also known more broadly as ageism. From there, our work spans a wide range of issues, including employment, pension, digital-inclusion, social participation, and accessibility in transport. These projects help us deepen our impact and stay connected with developments on the ground.

I joined AGE Platform Europe 15 years ago. I’ve long been passionate about politics and policymaking, especially when it comes to social policy. That’s what initially led me to work in the health sector. Eventually, this focus brought me to AGE Platform Europe, where I’ve been ever since. The intersection of EU policymaking and social issues continues to be what motivates me most. 
 
What are the main challenges older people face when it comes to transport accessibility, both locally and across Europe? 

There are several challenges, many of which aren’t entirely unique to older people, but affect them in specific ways. First, there’s the question of accessibility, especially in terms of physical, cognitive, or sensory impairments. Such barriers affect many people, but it’s worth remembering that most people with disabilities today are older people. This fact is not always visible in public discourse, but it’s critical when we talk about inclusive transport. Next, affordability remains a key issue. Many older people struggle with limited pension income.  

Particularly in rural areas, availability can be an important factor. Public transport is often limited or non-existent, making it difficult for older people to remain mobile and connected. Even in cities, some suburban or peri-urban areas still lack adequate services. These in-between zones are often overlooked in transport planning.

There is also the growing challenge of digitalisation. More and more transport systems require digital access - whether it’s to get information, book a ticket, or make a payment. This shift creates serious barriers for people who are not digitally connected or confident. The lack of a physical service point, or the ability to speak to a real person or pay with cash, is a major concern raised by many of our members.

What’s striking is that none of these issues are new. In the 15 years I’ve worked at AGE, they’ve remained consistent. And they were all raised again in the presentations made during the EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK Annual Workshops. These are long-standing challenges, and they still require action. 
 
A lot of the issues you mention tie into the concept of transport poverty, which was also the focus of the EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK Annual Workshops. How do you see the term, and does it fully capture the range of mobility challenges faced by older people? 
 
I feel like the term, “transport poverty”, tends to be interpreted mostly as an issue of affordability, which is crucial, but transport poverty actually encompasses much more than that.

That’s why I think the EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK’s theme of “Mobility for Everyone” is powerful. It captures the multiple dimensions of mobility challenges across different groups of people and it frames the issue in a positive, inclusive way. It opens up conversations rather than putting people into a corner where they feel blamed or overlooked. 
 
You mentioned digitalisation as a long-standing issue for older people. Have you seen any good examples where municipalities have successfully tackled this challenge to make life easier for older residents? 

It’s important to note that digitalisation isn’t only a challenge for older people - it’s a much broader issue. Studies on transport and access to essential services show that people of all ages face difficulties because of digitalisation. There’s a common assumption that the problem will disappear as younger generations become the majority, but I’m not convinced. New technologies keep evolving, with different applications and tools, so there’s always a risk people will be left behind.

Accessibility is also key here. For example, people with disabilities may be excluded if digital tools aren’t designed properly. I live in Brussels, where public transport users have several ways to buy tickets and get information, which works quite well. Sometimes it’s the small things that cause problems however, like ticket machines at bus stops that are placed where the sun shines directly on the screen, making it impossible to read. Design oversights like these highlight how important it is to find thoughtful solutions that work for everyone. 
 
What practical steps can cities take to improve public transport accessibility for older people and other users who may struggle with digital tools? 

Some municipalities offer training sessions to help users navigate the public transport system. These involve, for instance, showing them how the system works, how to use ticket machines and how to operate apps. This kind of educational support can be really helpful in encouraging more people to use public transport.  

It must also be remembered that having the option to interact with a real person, who can provide help and up-to-date information, is crucial for many. We understand the pressure on public transport budgets and staffing, but investing in personal support can enhance safety and reassurance, making people feel more confident to travel.  
 
 
Finally, from the perspective of this year’s theme, Mobility for Everyone, we’d love to inspire more cities to get involved. If you were a policymaker or working in a municipality and wanted to take some immediate steps to improve mobility for older people where would you begin? 

The accessibility of information is absolutely critical - and it’s often underestimated. Making sure that systems are simple and intuitive helps not just older people, but a wide range of users: children who can’t yet read, people with low literacy, those who don’t speak the local language and individuals with cognitive or learning disabilities.

A good exercise is to approach the city through the lens of a newcomer - can they easily understand how to navigate the system, buy a ticket, or find their way? In cities where this is done well, it makes a difference. Clear and accessible information, such as through signage, maps and in-vehicle displays, can encourage more people to use public transport and help them feel confident and independent when doing so.

Another important aspect is the environment around transport. We often talk about the vehicles and services themselves, but forget what it takes to actually reach them. For older people in particular, having sufficient benches along walking routes or at stops can be essential, as well as accessible public toilets.

Local authorities should consider the entire journey holistically - from door to door. It’s about more than just transport; making the entire environment truly accessible and inclusive. 

To find out more about AGE Platform Europe visit their website here or follow them on their LinkedIn page.