Transform policy officer Laura Hyde-White reports on the Sustainable Transport Cross Party Group’s latest meeting, which focused on the intersection of transport and poverty.
The recent meeting of the Cross Party Group (CPG) on Sustainable Transport, convened by Graham Simpson MSP, centred on the critical issue of transport poverty. The discussion featured presentations from experts in public health, transport policy, and poverty alleviation, offering a comprehensive view of how transport intersects with poverty in Scotland.
What is transport poverty?
Dr. Margaret Douglas (Public Health Scotland) emphasised that transport poverty extends beyond affordability; encompassing the lack of accessible, reliable, safe, and affordable transport options. Lack of such transport has a significant impact on public health and quality of life.
Key recommendations included developing indicators for transport poverty, increasing cross-sector awareness, and investing in sustainable transport.
Transport Poverty definition:
‘The lack of transport options that are available, reliable, affordable, accessible or safe that allow people to meet their daily needs and provide a reasonable quality of life.’
Government action on transport poverty
Bertrand Deiss (Transport Scotland) discussed the Scottish Government’s strategies to eliminate transport poverty by 2045, focusing on equitable fare structures and improved public transport services.
He highlighted the geographical disparities in transport poverty, particularly in rural areas, and outlined the findings of the recently concluded Fair Fares Review.
Findings and recommendations from lived experience
Ralph Hartley (The Poverty Alliance) shed light on the lived experiences of low-income groups, emphasising that transport costs constitute a significant portion of household expenditures.
He advocated for more affordable and accessible public transport, expanded concessionary travel schemes, and integrated transport systems to better serve both urban and rural communities.
Discussion highlights
- Car use reduction: In response to questions about the expected publication of the roadmap for reducing car kilometres by 20% by 2030, Bertrand Deiss indicated that the route map would be published by autumn 2024.
- Bus regulation: Concerns were raised about the lack of urgency in bus regulation. Deiss assured that local authorities would soon have the necessary powers to franchise public transport services.
- Affordability and accessibility: A common theme in the discussion was the need for more affordable bus fares, especially for women and rural residents. The upcoming flat fare pilot scheme proposed in the Fair Fares Review was heavily discussed, with ongoing considerations for its implementation.
- Integration and concessionary schemes: Attendees highlighted the importance of integrating transport modes and expanding concessionary schemes to include more demographic groups and transport types.
In summary
The meeting underscored the complex interplay between transport and poverty, with a consensus on the need for systemic changes to create a more equitable and sustainable transport network in Scotland.
It is clear that both passenger needs and appropriate governance structures are needed to build a transport network which meets the needs of all communities across Scotland in order to tackle inequalities and climate emissions.
The CPG will continue its focus on transport and equalities, with upcoming meetings addressing issues related to women, disabilities, and young people.
To find out more about the CPG or to join the Group, please contact our policy officer Laura at laura.hyde-white@transform.scot.
