Social Exclusion Related To Transport Affects Over 3 Million Northerners

A new report shows transport-related social exclusion threatens millions of people in the North.

3.3 million Northerners live in areas at risk of transport-related social exclusion (TRSE) according to new research by Transport for the North (TfN).  

Due to poor mobility and connectivity, people are prevented from participating in the opportunities and communities around them due to TRSE. 

With the help of Social Research Associates and Temple, TfN engaged with over 3,000 people across the North to understand the effects of the transport system. 

As a result, TfN developed a tool for measuring TRSE across England – by analysing access to jobs, education, healthcare, and key services, as well as social exclusion vulnerability.   

It estimates that 21.3% of the North of England’s population, live in areas with a relatively high risk of social exclusion due to transport issues.

Coastal and smaller urban areas, former industrial and mining communities, and former fishing communities are particularly affected. 

As a result of having to travel, TRSE means being unable to access opportunities, services, and community life as much as needed. Research shows that car dependency is the key driver of TRSE in the North.

The decline in bus service has made it harder for the most vulnerable people in our communities to travel. Transport system use has broader impacts, such as cost and time, stress, and anxiety. As a result, poverty, isolation, and poor access to basic services can persist.

People with disabilities, those caring for others, and those on low incomes face disproportionate impacts from TRSE in the North. 

TRSE solutions focus on improving the quality, availability, and cost of local public transport services. Furthermore, it promotes safe, convenient, and accessible routes for walking, cycling, and wheeling that connect communities. 

A poorly connected transport system in the North can affect everyday life profoundly and have widespread impacts on social exclusion. 

 Transport for the North Chair, Lord Patrick Mcloughlin, said: 

“As the research shows, transport-related social exclusion impacts people’s lives on a daily basis. We’ve known for a long time about the lack of transport options for those living on the rural and urban fringes and the impact it has on them, but what is revealing is the number of people that TRSE is affecting.”

“Over one in five people in the North are at risk of exclusion because of the limitations of transport options in their community. That is millions of people, many of whom are those with specific needs who rely on public transport to get to work, to go to medical appointments or just see friends and family.”

This issue is holding the region back and must be addressed if we are to achieve our full potential.”

“I truly believe that transport has the ability to transform people and places. It’s not just about getting from point A to B – it’s about connections: allowing communities to be sustainable and to grow; giving young people the chance to make the most of the opportunities on offer; enabling older people to remain engaged and active, with a reduced risk of social isolation and loneliness.”

“This report shows the level of commitment that we need to see if the levelling up agenda is to come to fruition, we need to see significant investment in local public transport across the North of England to ensure that those people who really need a working transport system will get it.”