With the rapid growth of the aging population globally, especially in China, public transportation remains an important mode of travel for elderly. As technological advances are increasingly integrated into transportation systems, elderly need to interact with a variety of digital interfaces. This paper examines the elderly’s acceptance and adaptation to these technologies and how UI and UX design affect their emotional experiences when using public transportation. A systematic reviews 55 articles published between 2006 and 2024 were selected for in-depth analysis of elderly mobility, public transportation accessibility, and human–computer interaction in technology adoption. Despite the existence of paper on transportation accessibility and digital technologies, the role of UI and UX design challenges as a potential barrier remains under explored. Key findings suggest that elderly face significant challenges in acceptation and adaptation through UI and UX experiences including visual, cognitive, and psychomotor limitations that hinder their ability to effectively use mobile applications. Poor accessibility, complex interface structures, and a lack of age-friendly design contribute to usability issues. While user-centered design principles and universal accessibility have increased digital inclusion, current solutions often ignore the emotional impact of technical barriers. Feelings of frustration, anxiety and exclusion are still prevalent, especially in China. Factors such as device ownership, learning ability, attitudes towards technology and family support significantly influence technology adoption.