Get jobs back on track with better travel
TRANSPORT AND OPPORTUNITIES
A PROJECT has been launched to find the link between poor transport and social exclusion in the north.
Transport for the North (TfN) which includes West Yorkshire Combined Authority - hopes to use the report’s findings to both inform transport planning in coming years and also help people access jobs, homes, services, and social and leisure opportunities.
TfN said the challenges faced by communities in different parts of the north vary widely, but there is a lack of evidence on how poor access to transport holds people back in their lives.
It hopes that improving the data available to authorities will mean the social benefits of improving transport and infrastructure can be taken into account when investment decisions are made.
Tim Foster, interim strategy and programmes director at Transport for the North, said: “As the north emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic, we need to understand how our transport system can deliver better opportunities for all of our 15 million residents, and ensure that people can reconnect.
“Having poor transport links can have a major impact on every aspect of people’s lives - from being able to get to work or school or visiting friends and family, to ensuring deliveries and vital services can get through without disruption.
“Improving our understanding of the challenges that people face, and by sharing the evidence with our delivery partners and decision-makers, we can drive positive change for all communities across the North.
“This research will produce new and up to date evidence on transport and social exclusion, including the impacts of Covid19.”
The research programme will investigate how lack of access to transport leads to exclusion from education and training opportunities, good quality employment, access to key services, and a community and social life.
It will start with a survey of local authorities, charities, and community groups.
TfN has also commissioned additional research with invited members of the public that will take place in five areas around the north.
Having poor transport links can have a major impact on very aspect
of people’s lives