Research by University College London (UCL) has shown that North England residents face worse health outcomes and poorer transport accessibility than the rest of the country.

It also highlights the need for investment in medium and long-distance transport options, such as better serviced roads and access to trains and buses, in the most underserved areas. To achieve this, transportation technology companies and transit authorities must adopt a comprehensive approach to planning by ensuring that equity and inclusion are at the core of future plans, argues Audrey Denis, Strategy Manager, Cubic Transportation Systems.

Public transportation is a critical way to get to a job, school, the weekly groceries, or a doctor’s
appointment, however, not everyone has the same experience using public transport. A recent
report from Transport for the North (TfN) shows that 20% of people living in northern England are
prohibited from taking advantage of the opportunities and communities around them due to poor
mobility and connectivity. Potentially, over three million people in the region are at risk of social
exclusion as a result.

Critical transport poverty factors

Location, age and budget understandably are the key indicators which lead to transport poverty. For
example, housing becomes more expensive the nearer you get to well-connected transportation
hubs. Longer commutes mean prohibitive costs, meaning many people have to turn down jobs
because of either the cost or lack of effective transport.

At the same time, age is also a primary impediment: public transport can present severe challenges
to older people or people with disabilities, as can maintaining a private vehicle. With an ageing
population where one in five of us is over 65, consideration must be given to the particular needs of
the elderly and infirm. So, what can be done? There is no silver bullet that will solve decades of
underfunding, however, there are some ways in which the government and industry can come
together to create new transport initiatives:

Data analytics:

Using transport data to build insight into how it is used can help planners
optimise scheduling, highlight dead zones and thus create a more equitable transport
platform. By analysing how, when and why passengers move, we can enhance cross-
community connectivity and improve services.

Focusing on equity:

Ensuring equity among stakeholders is a key priority. Planners should
concentrate on projects that champion equity based on income, race, age and location so all
are taken into account. Creating transit equity involves measuring the outcomes so we can
ensure targets are being met.

Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS):

Technology has a key role to play in improving travel options
for all. Online travel planning solutions, multi-trip ticketing, electronic payment systems and
real-time travel information can unlock better mobility for more people by making it more
convenient and cost-effective while also encouraging multi-modal travel.

Flexible ticketing:

Introducing account-based ticketing with subsidised transport for qualifying residents helps those at the lower end of the income scale take advantage of local connectivity. Whether it is a senior travel card or a student discount, connecting these sectors to local travel benefits can make a real impact.

Congestion fees:

By disincentivising people from driving in urban centres, we automatically
make public transport more effective and attractive. Moreover, it generates a revenue
stream which can be re-invested in public transport options. We can also consider
concessions on fees for low-income drivers.

These are just a few ideas of how we can address the transport gap in the North of England and
elsewhere. The fact is that lack of public transport affects citizens and businesses alike, making it
harder to attract and retain the best talent. Access to effective public transport connects us to job
opportunities and maintains a healthier population and economy.

So, when assessing solutions, transit agencies must view mobility as a human right; everyone should
be able to travel around their city or town in a safe, seamless, and stress-free manner. It can no
longer be presumed that a one-size-fits-all strategy is adequate for innovation as transportation
technology advances. That’s why agencies should establish a mobility ecosystem for all by getting to
know their communities and meeting riders where they are. Using transit as a model can show
what’s achievable in accessibility by laying out a plan for diverse customer bases to achieve equity.

Audrey Denis, Strategy Manager, Cubic Transportation Systems.