Rural UK transport poverty

‘Transport poverty’ – spending over 10% of income on getting about – is highest in rural areas where alternatives to owning a car are most limited. Increasing numbers of rural bus services are under threat as the Rural Bus Subsidy Grant has not been keeping up with inflation let alone rising costs.

Quotes
‘People who live outside towns also need alternatives to owning private cars. Few rural areas have seen the sort of improvements to bus services, the roll out of car clubs and increase in cycle shops that are happening in urban areas. We need joined-up thinking and funding to deliver innovative and affordable solutions in rural areas.’ CPRE’s Senior Transport Campaigner, Ralph Smyth

Community transport
CPRE is calling for the creation of ‘Community Transport Trusts’ or Co-ops to roll out car clubs and cycle servicing to rural areas as well as offering community bus services. Community transport could help people to get home after closing time in local pubs or local shops deliver bulky food items to those without a car.

As the recession bites, new community transport services could be the glue that sticks vital shops and services and rural communities together.

References
 * Campaign to Protect Rural England, November 27 2008