DEPARTMENT FOR
TRANSPORT News Release (160) issued by The Government News Network
on 20 November 2007
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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Department for Transport
Website: http://www.dft.gov.uk