Title

Young people and transport in rural areas

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

2000

Subject Area

Location - Rural, Location - UK, Modes of Transport - School bus, Population - Education, Population - Youth

Abstract

Young people in the countryside often experience particular difficulties with transport to get to education and work and to maintain a social life. This study, carried out by Pamela Storey and Julia Brannen at the Thomas Coram Research Unit, Institute of Education, examines young people's experience of transport in rural areas. Three representative cohorts of young people aged between 15 and 24 and living in rural locations in South West England were studied. The study found: High fares and poor publicity about public transport are barriers to young people making use of the limited public services which do exist in rural areas. Young bus passengers feel discouraged by unfriendly attitudes of bus drivers and older passengers. Most young people believe that paying the full fare on public transport whilst still in full-time education is unjust. Young people below driving age rely on getting lifts for most journeys. Those living in households with only one or no car are at a particular disadvantage, since parents are the main source of lifts. The end of compulsory schooling at age 16 presents new travel problems. Over 40 per cent of those aged 15 to 16 say that transport issues influence their decisions about post-16 education. Limited public transport in rural areas means that those entering employment or training are restricted in where and when they work. Learning to drive and getting a car are major priorities and are seen as the solution to dependency on lifts. Over 40 per cent of 17- to 18-year-olds and over 80 per cent of 22- to 24-year-olds in the study were car owners Young people who get financial help (usually from parents) towards driving lessons and buying a car, learn to drive and own cars at a younger age than those who get no help. Parents continue to help with 'loans' to keep cars roadworthy.