Social exclusion and public transport : aspects of accessibility and mobility in bus systems environment.

The paper addresses the relationship between social exclusion and transport emphasising the role of bus service as being a central part of public transport systems and a key element in promoting "inclusion". It defines social exclusion, identifies specific deprived groups and areas and it suggests a process of selection, collection and aggregation of the most important variables to be considered on measures to mitigate and minimise social exclusion problems. A list of initiatives developed in the United Kingdom, which promote full accessibility and improve mobility, will be used to explore good and fair alternatives to tackle social exclusion in transport.