Short and long term impacts of the rural bus services: 'InterConnect' and'Villager' on social inclusion and quality of life.

This study highlights how the rural bus services, 'InterConnect' and 'The Villager', in the county of Lincolnshire in England, designed to provide rural residents with greater access to friends, shops and community services, have actually impacted upon residents' quality of life. The characteristics of the area (e.g. dispersed settlements, population, employment, socio-economic, road networks) and the level of public transport services originally in operation are described. It was hoped new services would improve the situation. In particular, there was a desire to reduce social exclusion and increase access to local amenities, for those sections of the community with restricted access to a car. Two schemes with similar plans to address social exclusion are described, InterConnect and The Villager. The results indicate that both schemes have been very successful. Initial indications are that the Villager has led to increased passenger numbers and revenue growth; whilst the InterConnect findings suggest that this growth will continue even in the longer term (i.e. 6 years after its introduction). The benefits to society of such schemes, providing information on its impact on the lives of the most vulnerable and immobile sections of our communities, are outlined. For the covering abstract please see ITRD E135207.