More than getting from A to B
When we think about investing in modern transport infrastructure we probably don’t immediately picture the humble local bus. But for many older people buses can be a lifeline.
They ensure people in later life stay connected. Allowing people to maintain their independence, whether that is by visiting grandchildren; taking part in volunteering; or simply getting to the supermarket.
This means that when investment in local transport is being planned getting the bus service right or finding a suitable alternative needs to be high priority.
What is transport for?
Having the right transport in place makes local communities and economies tick.
Improving mobility for older people will have a direct benefit to the local economy. Older people’s spending reached an estimated £109 billion in 2010 (65 plus)‚ around 15 per cent of the overall household expenditure, and is set to grow.
In some places inadequate local public transport means older people find it difficult to get from their neighbourhood to the high street.
An Age UK survey found that a significant number of people over 65 have difficulties accessing key services. For instance, 16 per cent found getting to the nearest supermarket difficult, and the figure rose to 24 per cent to reach a bank and 34 per cent to reach the nearest hospital.
This isn’t just a practical problem, for some older people lack of transport adds to their isolation.
As noted by David Halpern, the director of Number 10's Behavioural Insight Team, last week loneliness and isolation have been shown to have a direct impact on people’s health. Research suggests the impacts of social relationships on premature death are comparable with well-established risk factors for mortality such as smoking.
Filling transport gaps
These are all things that when we reach for the car keys we might take for granted. But if you are relying on local buses you are dependant on a number of different factors all being in the right place at the right time.
The funding and planning of local public transport crosses national and local government, the private and community sector. To make the most of shrinking budgets all these organisations need to be pulling together to make sure transport investment is properly targeted.
For instance, Surrey County Council used accessibility planning to ensure the majority of people still had access to bus services when they were making decision about spending. This makes the ability to get to work and key services a factor in investment decisions.
This may also mean doing things in a completely new way. The Isle of Wight Council for example, had to end their bus contract for rural routes on the island. Rather than lose the service completely, the council and bus company negotiated a new contract that sees volunteer bus drivers providing the service.
The future of transport needs as much innovative thinking for local schemes as we see for exciting new rail and airport plans.
