Workshop 7 report: Sustainable transport systems designed to meet the needs of both users and residents

Workshop 7 looked beyond the narrow focus on efficiency and sustainable funding of transport systems to a wider view to meet a variety of different users’ needs as well as those of residents and taxpayers, recognising that these are not always the same people. The focus was on identifying the factors which lead to different levels of accessibility for different individuals and households and how these may not be reflected in area-based measures. Whether these differences can be met by more flexible transport systems targeted at specific (groups of) individuals or by providing better access to regular public transport by addressing the first/last mile problem needs careful analysis. Ultimately understanding different needs depends on being able to understand different types of household and their need based on their characteristics including a recognition that many transport demands (and constraints) are created by the need to provide care for other household members. This has implications for both the funding of public transport and how it is priced in a broader approach to underwriting mobility. The Workshop generated a set of recommendations for further research and for the development of policy.