Title

Moving from welfare to work: the role of transport

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

2006

Subject Area

Location - Europe, Location - UK, Location - USA, Social Issues - Joblessness, Social Issues - Social exclusion, Social Issues - social inclusion

Abstract

This report summarises the findings of the second phase of a study of transport and social exclusion in the G7 countries. Phase 1 involved the preparation of seven nation specific papers on transport and social exclusion in general This second phase focused on the contribution of transport projects to welfare to work in three of the G7 countries, the UK, France and the USA. The main objective of this phase was to carry out a comparative cost effectiveness analysis of up to fifteen different subsidised transport initiatives which aim to improve access to employment and encourage job retention in the three countries. A range of different types of initiatives were investigated in each country, including fixed route bus services, demand responsive services, vehicle loan schemes, financial loans and travel training initiatives. For each of the initiatives, an initial review was made of the location, local employment situation, local transport availability and policy initiatives. Second, the objectives, operation and eligibility criteria were examined before a detailed analysis of funding sources, revenue and costs. The report finds that targeted, flexible, demand responsive public and community transport schemes do work in helping people to gain and retain employment - at a cost. but sustained political support is essential if these closely targeted and highly subsidised schemes are to be given the opportunity to succeed over the longer term. Fixed route public transport schemes seem to be least effective in increasing access to employment for socially excluded communities, but do provide essential wider benefits including access to a range of services and a better quality of life for the people who rely on them. Loans for cars, powered two wheelers and driving lessonss, can when appropriate, be the most cost effective way to improve access to work. In case studies in the United States, workers with access to a car commuted faster and were more likely to stay in their job. This report is intended to inform policy makers about the role that different types of transport provision can play in improving employability and reducing social inequalities.