New research warns that a lack of smart and integrated public transport options in the North of England is limiting access to jobs for residents of low-income neighbourhoods.
The report, funded by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and prepared by researchers at the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University, showed that a drive towards smart and integrated public transport could reduce unemployment figures in two cities in the North: Manchester and Leeds.
The researchers warn that the current public transport system is unaffordable and unreliable, and conclude that this is limiting access to job opportunities for unemployed residents in four low-income neighbourhoods across the two cities.
What challenges does the lack of public transport present in low-income neighbourhoods?
For many living in low-income neighbourhoods, purchasing and running a car is not affordable, meaning that residents are reliant on more affordable public transport, particularly buses. However, the unreliability of many of the UK’s bus services means that in many cases, workers are unable to guarantee punctuality. For those with jobs in competitive or insecure sectors, this can be enough to result in a loss of employment.
This is of particular concern at the Department of Work and Pensions recommends unemployed people search for jobs up to 90 minutes away from their home by car, but a lack of reliable and affordable services makes this an unviable option for many. Improvements in smart and integrated public transport could therefore unlock opportunities for unemployed people in low-income areas.
What did the researchers say about their results?
Brian Robson, acting head of policy and research at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, emphasised the need for better investment in public transport infrastructure to better combat unemployment.
He said: “It’s unacceptable that large numbers of people seeking work are being locked out of job opportunities simply because of poor public transport connections. The experiences of low-income residents makes it abundantly clear that we must properly invest in transport networks within cities not just between them… With more powers being devolved to city and local leaders, now is the time to redesign our transport, housing and economic policies so that everyone can get into work and progress in their careers.”
