The Scottish Executive is currently developing a National Transport Strategy (NTS), the aim of which is to promote economic growth, social inclusion and sustainable development through a safe, integrated and efficient transport network. Consultation is a key element in the development of the Strategy and a consultation paper was launched in April 2006 in order to ascertain the views of professionals working within the transport arena, others with an interest in transport and the general public. However, there are a number of audiences – primarily transport users – who typically will not provide their views to a consultation. In order to ensure the views of transport users feed into development of the NTS, George Street Research was commissioned to undertake independent and objective qualitative research that placed a focus on understanding the views of “hard to reach” audiences who are transport users. Given the exploratory nature of this study, a qualitative approach was adopted. A series of 11 focus groups and individual/ double/ triad in-depth interviews among a further 40 respondents were held across Scotland. Focus groups were held among the general public, young people, old people, women and those on low income. Interviews were held among disabled, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people (LGBT) and minority ethnic individuals. (Author/publisher)
Abstract