Title

Scatters and clusters in time and space: implications for delivering integrated and inclusive transport

Document Type

Working Paper

Publication Date

2002

Subject Area

Location - UK, Transport policy - Disadvantage, Transport programs - Demand responsive transport, Transport programs - Flexible Transport Solutions, Transport programs - Transport coordination

Abstract

This paper calls for a refinement in the literature on social exclusion/inclusion, and an alteration in the counterpart policy practices, in order to take account of 'scatter' and 'cluster' dimensions in the patterning of transport deprivation. Disaggregating social exclusion and inclusion data to enable the identification of scatters and clusters is key to the development of appropriate transport planning strategies. The degree to which lack of mobility is scattered or clustered can have profound implications for the ways in which time and space are treated by policy. The extent to which interventions can be designed to overcome the consequences of a lack of mobility can have an impact on the ability of individuals to negotiate time and space. In the UK patterns of car ownership mean that those on a low-income, elderly, children certain ethnic minorities groups and to a lesser extent women will tend to experience systematic exclusion from facilities. The role of public transport provision in influencing the extent of social exclusion is considered highly significant. While improvement to the public transport accessibility of an area will go some way to addressing the transport inequalities experienced by some groups and individuals, it is important that the direct and indirect role of transport in the process of exclusion is made explicit. Providing people with access to opportunities does not necessarily guarantee they will be able to take advantage of them: indeed, there is a need for much tighter definitions in respect of what constitutes access. In this context, this paper considers the importance of new information technologies accompanied by demand responsive transport in accommodating the transport needs of scatters as well as clusters of the socially excluded.