Title

Social exclusion: transport links explained

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

2004

Subject Area

Location - Europe, Location - UK, Location - USA, Transport accessibility - Lack of access, Transport policy - Transport poverty

Abstract

This report surveys policy approaches to transport and social exclusion in the 'Group of seven' and was co-ordinated by the Transport Studies Group at Westminster University. The study argues that a 'whole systems' approach to policy making is needed to bring social inclusion into the heart of decisions on transport planning and locating of key services like health and education. International research has concluded that lack of access to a car is the main transport factor in the social exclusion of low income households and other marginalised groups. The report also finds that even in households that do not own cars, more trips are made by car than public transport and that many on low incomes give up other basic necessities to keep their car. Those in rural areas, shift workers and women undertaking multi-purpose trips are particularly car dependent. Improving public transport in isolation is often not enough to solve poor accessibility and children in low income groups are most at risk from road injuries. The report finds that the impact of poor transport on social exclusion is not, in general, well analysed or addressed by national policies.