More than four in five Americans age 65 or older worry that they will be stranded and unable to get around when they no longer can drive, according to a recent survey released by the American Public Transportation Association.

Nearly all of the respondents (98 percent) said that maintaining their independence is “extremely important.”

“These findings are dramatic proof that America’s older citizens believe staying mobile is essential and that mobility security, just like financial security and medical security, needs to be planned for,” said William W. Millar, president of APTA.

The survey found that if public transit services were more readily available in their neighborhoods, three in five seniors would use them more often. Additionally, more than 80 percent of those surveyed believe a good public transportation system is safer, easier and more convenient than driving.

By 2030, more than 70 million people will be 65 years of age or older. — cns