‘Left behind’ neighbourhoods isolated by poor public transport
People living in ‘left behind’ neighbourhoods are cut off from urban centres and essential services due to poor public transport and low car ownership, according to a new report.
Produced by Campaign for Better Transport for the All-Party Parliamentary Group for ‘left behind’ neighbourhoods, the report reveals that 84% of ‘left behind’ neighbourhoods have worse overall connectivity than the England average.
It also found that 40% of households in ‘left behind’ neighbourhoods have no car, compared to 26%, the average in England.
The report, titled ‘Connecting communities: Improving transport to get ‘left behind’ neighbourhoods back on track’, also discovered that local authority-supported bus services in ‘left behind’ areas declined by 35% over the last six years, while commercial services declined by 11%.
‘Left behind’ areas with the poorest connectivity are predominantly located in coastal areas and on the outskirts of post-industrial towns and cities in the North and the Midlands.
Silviya Barrett, head of policy, Research and Projects at Campaign for Better Transport, said: ‘As this report shows, it's hard to overstate the importance of good public transport.
‘Communities that struggle to access jobs, training and essential services have no chance of thriving. The Government must invest in public transport to ensure that no communities are left behind and that we build back better in a way that is fair and sustainable.’
