The government’s recent announcement of the Integrated National Transport Strategy set out a 10-year vision to ensure all modes of transport operate in a joined-up manner.
The former Transport Secretary Louise Haigh unveiled Labour’s plan to “put people at the heart of our transport system”, focused on improving access in rural areas and promoting walking and cycling through initiatives such as pavement repairs and cycle infrastructure.
A well-designed and integrated mobility network is vital to drive regional equality, job creation and economic growth. But it’s challenging to achieve, particularly when population growth is straining existing networks and systems. The UK’s current fragmented approach further exacerbates pressures, fundamentally undermining trust in public transport. So what can be done?
The case for more accessible transport
GHD’s CROSSROADS research highlights a universal desire for investment in public transport. The research, a global survey of more than 10,000 people across 10 countries, presents a fascinating snapshot of community sentiment – preferences, priorities and multi-generational perspectives.
The research underscores the requirement for a long-term commitment to improving access to public transport in our towns, cities and communities. In the UK, 72% of respondents indicated they would use public transport more to get to work, school, shopping and healthcare if it was easier, cheaper, and more reliable.
But access often comes at a cost. Gen Z (74%) and millennials (67%) indicated they would pay more to live near amenities such as transport, work, schools, hospitals and parks. In contrast, less than half of baby boomers (45%) and Gen X (45%) would be willing to pay for ease of access.
Age and gender divides show safety concerns
Access to public transport is a major priority. There is also evidence that active modes of travel are gaining traction among younger generations, highlighting why transport networks need to include a range of mobility solutions as communities change over time.
The survey also highlights a worrying difference between genders when it comes to safety, where female respondents exhibited a lower confidence on the safety of our current transport systems, regardless of generation.
Amongst Gen Z, 92% of males agreed with the statement that there are plenty of safe and easy ways to get around their community without needing a car. However, this figure drops to just 71% of females in the same in the same age bracket.
Similarly, older people were less likely to view public transport as safe and convenient compared to the UK’s youth. Pedestrian-friendly places are the key to building safe communities. But we need to not just engage but actively include all generations in this process.
Regional disparities
Alongside age and gender barriers, evidence shows regional disparities adversely impacting how people travel. Our CROSSROADS research finds 4 out of 5 residents in the Northwest would use public transport more if it was easier, cheaper and more reliable – a higher proportion than any other region in England.
Overcoming the digital divide
Examples of integrated transport systems show the utility of a data-led approach. Citing inspiration from the French city Dijon – where a mobile app integrates planning, ticketing and parking for all modes of transport – the government aim to replicate this model in the UK.
Digitalisation is not received the same by young and old. Around half of Baby Boomers (49%) and Gen X (51%) agree with the idea that public Wi-Fi and increased digital access points would improve their quality of life. Amongst younger generation, this figure rises to just over two-thirds of millennials (67%) and almost three-quarters of Gen Z (73%).
A digital-only approach can run the risk of isolating older generations. However, a digital-first approach, where communities that are physically and digitally connected, can deliver a more seamless journey.
Moving forwards
CROSSROADS underscores the need for both a long-term vision for integrated transport, and an immediate need to focus on the current user experience, prioritising safety and reliability to foster a more trusted relationship between communities and transport providers.
The Integrated National Transport Strategy puts community at the heart of British resilience, renewal and productivity. But this cannot be a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Collectively, we must better understand the nation’s intergenerational needs, empowering local leaders to deliver integrated and people-centric transport solutions for future communities to flourish.
Steve Scott is the EMEA lead for Future Communities at GHD
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