Work

Transport's role in creating a fairer, healthier country

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: A social determinants of health perspective T ransport can enable everyone, across the social gradient, to benefit from access to schools, colleges, and jobs.It is also critical to enable people to engage with essential services such as doctors, dentists, and hospitals, and to interact with friends and family.However, it is not equally available and can promote, or damage, health.This article explores four key areas where we believe better transport can play a key role in creating a fairer, healthier country. ACCESS TO THE SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH AND THE NEED TO IMPROVE THE BUS NETWORKThe 2010 Marmot Review described how having access to transport enables access to work, education, social networks, and services that improve people's opportunities and overall community functioning. 1 Conversely, not having good transport access increases inequalities in a range of the social determinants of health. 2 Yet, in the Marmot review 10 years on, 3 we noted the underinvestment in a crucial part of our transport system: bus services.The quality of bus services has the greatest effect on the day-to-day travel experience of those without access to a car.In 2021-22, one in four (28 per cent) of the poorest fifth of households did not have access to a car, compared with just 6 per cent of the wealthiest fifth of households. 4 In 2018, analyses of the National Travel Survey found that 19 per cent of unemployed people in England either turned down a job or did not apply for a job due to transport problems, compared with 6 per cent of people who were already in employment.5 This followed a sustained decrease in national funding for buses, with a 35 per cent drop in funding between 2008/09 and 2019/20; financial support for buses then increased over the pandemic, but has now fallen back.6 A report published this year notes that bus services outside London, in rural and urban areas, have now halved since 2008, with some areas having reductions of greater than 80 per cent.7 In addition, the cost of 1 Marmot et al (2010) Fair Society, Healthy Lives: The Marmot Review, Institute of Health Equity.https://www. instituteofhealthequity.org/resources

Source: IPPR Progressive Review

DOI: 10.1111/newe.12416

Authors: Angela Donkin, Mike Childs, Michael Marmot

Institution: University College London

Language: English

Topic: Urban Transport and Accessibility

Subfield: Transportation

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Sustainable cities and communities, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,140