This report is the first to explore in depth the links between public transport provision and social exclusion in English urban and rural areas. It clearly shows the importance of assessing and catering for transport needs during the implementation of health, education, employment, commercial, and social service policies. It emphasises that public transport has other functions besides providing people with access. It will be used as a basis for further research by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) and considered by other government departments. The clear connections between transport and social exclusion are especially noticeable among unemployed people, families with young children, young people, older people, and all those on low (benefit level) incomes. In rural areas, there is a much lower density of socially excluded people than in urban areas, but transport is especially important to people without access to a car. Transport provision must be considered across central and local government, and as a component part of all services. Affordability, availability, and accessibility are key issues. More physical mobility is needed to enhance social mobility. Flexible public transport provision, with sufficient travel and journey information, are needed. (Author/publisher)
Abstract