Barriers to transport ‘leaving young people behind’

Young people are missing out on opportunities due to a lack of access to transport, according to a  “groundbreaking” study.

The report by researchers at UWE Bristol and Sustrans highlights a risk of economic and social exclusion for 16-24-year-olds without access to a car, good public transport or cycling.

It found that this age group made 21 per cent fewer trips compared to 25-64-year-olds in 2019 and this gap has widened over the past 20 years.

Availability and cost of transport are the two main barriers to travel for young people and the Bristol-based researchers argue there needs to be a step change in transport policy to prevent further decline in access to transport.

The report calls on local and national governments to better recognise the needs of young people by giving them a voice in decision-making. It also makes the case for long-term, dedicated investment in walking, cycling and public transport, devolving powers to local transport authorities to take greater control of buses and providing financial support for young people to buy a bike.

Tim Burns, head of policy at walking and cycling charity Sustrans, said: “This report shows national and local transport policies are denying young people opportunities to education and work. This has a knock-on effect on our future economy and in our communities, which will be profoundly damaging.

“Investment will be key to removing barriers, especially those identified by young people, including improving the quality of public transport and access to cycles and safe cycle routes.”

Funded by the Health Foundation, the report by Sustrans, which has its HQ on College Green, and UWE Bristol is the first of its kind to focus on this demographic. It presents new analysis of national travel data, combined with insights from in-depth interviews with young people leaving school and college.

Interviews conducted as part of the research revealed multiple instances where young people were unable to pursue opportunities, such as work experience or a better job, due to a lack of transport options and the cost of travel.

National travel data showed 16–24-year-olds without access to a car are 2.1 times less likely to make as many trips as those who drive. Meanwhile, young people from households with the lowest income quintile are 1.4 times more likely to have a low level of mobility (compared to highest income quintile households).

The new report highlights how young people are being left behind by transport policy decisions – photo: Betty Woolerton

Dr Kiron Chatterjee, professor of travel behaviour at the UWE Bristol said: “There has been little research on the ways that young people manage to get around using the transport system and the barriers they experience.

“This report is a crucial step in showing how young people, a key demographic for everyone’s hopes of achieving net zero, are affected by the transport system in place.

“The situation for young people is worsening and we need to see a change in transport policy that prevents further decline.”

Jo Bibby, director of health at the Health Foundation, added: “This timely report shows how young people are being left behind by transport policy decisions.

“It is disappointing that a lack of public transport and active travel options are denying many young people opportunities to work, socialise and access public services, all of which we know are important for good health.

“It is important that national and local authorities take this opportunity to act, beginning with ensuring that the needs of young people are recognised and prioritised in transport policy making. This must include a prioritisation of active travel infrastructure and public transport, to support healthier lives and a healthier economy.”

Main photo: Martin Booth

Read next:

• XR Youth demands free and fair buses for young people in Bristol 
• Are Bristol’s streets safe enough for cycling?
• Looking back at the clean air zone one year on

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