Transport poverty
Transport poverty
Transport poverty occurs when individuals face significant barriers to accessing essential services, employment, or social opportunities due to inadequate, unaffordable, or unavailable transport options. It disproportionately affects low-income households, the elderly, disabled individuals, and rural communities, limiting their mobility and social participation.
Key challenges
- Low-income individuals may struggle to access jobs due to limited, infrequent, or inadequate transport options in terms of time, cost, and safety.
- Elderly individuals who no longer drive and lack confidence in using public transport are at risk of isolation and physical inactivity.
- Disabled individuals face significant barriers to accessing transport.
- High transport costs make it inaccessible for many, limiting their freedom of choice and access to essential services.
- In rural areas, sparse or non existent services make mobility especially challenging
Common practices
- Subsidised or free transport: Governments and local organisations provide cost-free or discounted travel options for disadvantaged groups, ensuring access to essential services.
- Demand-responsive transport (DRT): Flexible, pre-booked transport services help address gaps in public transport networks, particularly in rural or low-density areas.
- Community-based transport initiatives: Volunteer-led or municipally supported transport services cater to those with limited mobility, such as seniors or people with disabilities.
- Targeted mobility programs: Special services, such as social taxis or escort programs, enhance safety and accessibility, especially for at-risk individuals.
- Integrated transport planning: Coordinating various transport modes, including public transport, shared mobility, and non-motorised options, helps create more inclusive and efficient transport systems.
Relevance to public transport and UPPER
Transport poverty is important for public transport because it directly affects people who struggle with the costs or availability of transport. This limits their access to essential services like healthcare, education, and jobs, especially in rural and low-income areas. Addressing transport poverty ensures that everyone, including vulnerable groups, has fair access to mobility, reducing social inequality.