Department for Transport
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Research shows new routes to boosting public transport use
Targeting young people with information about alternatives to the car at key 'trigger points' in their lives could boost use of public transport more effectively, according to new research published today by Transport Minister Rosie Winterton.
The Department for Transport research asked older and younger people about their transport needs and opinions. One finding showed that for younger people, the transition from education to employment is a key development stage in their lives during which it might be most effective to target efforts to influence their transport choices.
The report also showed that improving frequency and reliability of public transport services was a key concern of both older and younger people.
Transport Minister Rosie Winterton said:
"This research shows us valuable new directions we might be able to take transport policy in the future. Offering alternatives to the car at key points in young people's lives could play an important part in our efforts to encourage them onto public transport at an early stage, getting people into the habit for life."
"It also reinforces the importance of legislation like the Local Transport Bill, which will help local authorities address some of older and younger people's key concerns about transport, such as reliability and frequency of services."
"I am committed to taking the needs of a wide variety of social groups into account when deciding transport policy. This is the only way we can effectively move towards a sustainable transport system that works for everyone."
Notes for Editors
1. The research 'Understanding the Travel Aspirations, Needs and Behaviour of Young Adults and People in Later Life' can be found at http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/scienceresearch/social/
2. It was commissioned by the Department for Transport as part of a programme to ensure that policy can be designed to meet the needs of all groups in society.
3. The research was undertaken through a series of in depth interviews with 68 people between the ages of 16-25. For younger people, 12 focus groups and 36 interviews were conducted.
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