The need to transform transport for the UK's Low-Income Communities

In the year leading up to 2022/23, the number of people living in absolute low income rose by 500,000 before housing costs and by 600,000 after housing costs. This upward trend is expected to continue. The Resolution Foundation's September 2023 forecast projects that absolute poverty will increase by a further 300,000 people in 2024/25, bringing the total to 12 million—an 18% rate, matching the level of 2019/20.

At the same time, the growing reliance on food banks reflects the deepening strain on households. In 2023/24, the Trussell Trust operated 1,699 food bank distribution centres, up from 1,646 the previous year, providing aid to over 3.12 million people—an alarming rise from just under 26,000 in 2008/09.

This combination of rising poverty and increased demand for food banks underscores the severe challenges facing many households in the UK.

How can the transport sector help?

Transport has long been a crucial enabler of economic mobility, social inclusion, and access to essential services. For low-income communities, however, transport is both a necessity and a significant challenge. As the UK grapples with increasing income inequality and regional disparities, understanding how transport impacts vulnerable populations is more important than ever.

One of the biggest obstacles for low-income individuals and families is the cost of transport. The UK has some of the highest public transport fares in Europe, particularly for buses and trains. Rail fares increased by nearly 50% between 2010 and 2020, significantly outpacing wage growth for low-income households. Bus fares, particularly outside of London, have followed a similar trajectory, further exacerbating the financial strain on those dependent on public transport.

For those living in rural or peripheral urban areas where public transport options are sparse or unreliable, owning a car becomes almost essential. However, the costs associated with car ownership – fuel, insurance, road tax, and maintenance – are often prohibitive for many low-income households. This creates a dilemma where mobility is restricted by financial means, limiting access to employment, healthcare, and social services.

Low-income communities, especially in rural areas, often find themselves in "transport deserts" where public transport services are infrequent or entirely absent. Residents in these areas may only have a handful of bus services running each day, if any at all, leaving them with few affordable transport options. This forces individuals to either rely on expensive private car use, taxis, or face long, inconvenient walks to access essential services.

The consequences of these "transport deserts" extend beyond mere inconvenience. They create a cycle of poverty by restricting access to job opportunities, education, healthcare, and other essential services. In particular, low-income individuals working in shift-based jobs or those with early morning and late-night hours are disproportionately impacted, as public transport is often unavailable during off-peak times, leaving them with costly alternatives like taxis or car-sharing services.

In addition to the challenges posed by public transport, cycling as an affordable alternative is often inaccessible due to infrastructure barriers. A recent study by Sustrans found that nearly one-third of low-income individuals and those not in employment lack access to secure and convenient cycle parking at home, particularly those living in flats. This problem is more pronounced for women, ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities, making it difficult for these groups to use cycling as a viable mode of transport.

The study highlights the potential for cycling to serve as an affordable and sustainable transport option, but this is contingent on providing secure and accessible storage solutions. Nearly half of those surveyed said they would cycle more if they had a safe place to park their bikes. Policymakers must consider simple but impactful solutions, such as creating more secure cycle storage in low-income housing areas, which could make cycling a viable alternative for many.

A critical issue for low-income communities is the spatial disconnect between where people live and where jobs are located. Many affordable housing areas are situated far from employment hubs, meaning that residents face long and expensive commutes. The cost of public transport and the time spent travelling create additional barriers, making job opportunities less accessible for those who need them most.

This disconnect is especially problematic for individuals in precarious or shift-based work, where irregular hours compound the difficulties of relying on public transport. The lack of affordable, reliable transport options can prevent people from taking up job opportunities, exacerbating the challenges they already face in gaining financial independence.

Transport inequalities do not just affect access to employment; they also hinder social inclusion. Access to healthcare, education, retail, and leisure activities is essential for a fulfilling life, yet many low-income communities are cut off from these services due to inadequate transport options.

This is especially true for older adults, disabled individuals, and families with young children. Research by Age UK shows that one in three older adults struggles to access essential services due to transport issues, leading to delayed healthcare and increased health risks. The lack of affordable and reliable transport also contributes to isolation and poor mental health outcomes among low-income populations.

Low-income communities are disproportionately exposed to poor air quality due to their proximity to major roads and industrial areas. Traffic-related air pollution is inextricably linked to respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular disease, and higher mortality rates. According to the British Lung Foundation, areas with the highest levels of air pollution often correlate with those of the lowest income.

Addressing transport-related pollution by improving public transport and reducing reliance on cars is essential to mitigate these health impacts. Prioritising cleaner transport solutions, such as the electrification of buses and trains, offers significant potential to improve air quality in low-income areas and, by extension, health outcomes.

A key solution to these transport challenges is subsidising fares to make public transport more affordable. In my own area, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Tiger bus pass initiative, launched in 2024, is an excellent example of how discounted fares can positively impact low-income individuals. The pass offers young people under 25 the ability to travel on buses for just ￡1 per journey, cutting their travel costs in half.

The success of this scheme is evident, with over 17,000 young people applying for the pass, and 12,200 journeys made in its first month alone. The Tiger bus pass enables greater access to education, training, employment, and social activities, while reducing the financial burden of transport. Such initiatives demonstrate that relatively small subsidies can have significant effects on mobility and financial well-being for low-income populations.

Investing in public transport, particularly in underserved areas, is essential for reducing travel times and improving access to essential services. The UK’s focus on devolution and addressing regional disparities, particularly through increased transport investment, will be crucial in bridging the gap between urban centres and peripheral low-income communities.

Moreover, providing secure cycle parking, as outlined in the Sustrans study, is a small but transformative change that could encourage cycling as a low-cost, sustainable transport alternative. Addressing infrastructure gaps like secure bike storage in low-income housing areas could significantly improve mobility for residents.

Technological innovations such as Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) have the potential to further reduce transport costs and improve accessibility for low-income communities. MaaS platforms integrate multiple transport modes – buses, trains, ride-hailing, and bike-sharing – into a single digital service, allowing users to plan and pay for journeys seamlessly. However, for MaaS to benefit low-income individuals, it is crucial to address the digital divide. Ensuring that non-digital options, such as paper tickets and cash payments, remain available is vital to guarantee that everyone can benefit from these innovations.

Community-led initiatives, such as cooperatively owned bus services or car-sharing schemes, offer promising solutions for low-income areas with limited transport options. These initiatives empower local communities to take control of their transport needs, offering services that are responsive to specific local demands.

In rural areas, flexible bus services have proven successful, operating on adaptable routes and schedules to ensure residents can access essential services. Expanding such community-driven solutions with the support of government grants could provide sustainable, low-cost transport options for underserved regions.

Road safety is another critical concern for low-income communities, where inadequate infrastructure and poor road conditions often pose significant risks. In these areas, residents – especially children, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities – are more vulnerable to traffic hazards. Ensuring road safety through improved signage, protected bike lanes, better lighting, and traffic calming measures is essential to safeguard the well-being of these populations. Addressing road safety is not just about preventing accidents; it is about promoting social equity and ensuring that all members of society can navigate their communities safely.

Transport is fundamentally an enabler of opportunity, yet for many low-income communities in the UK, it remains a significant barrier that exacerbates poverty and social isolation. To unlock the full potential of the transport system, targeted policy reforms, infrastructure investments, and technological innovations are essential. By focusing on subsidised fares, improving public transport access, and expanding cycling infrastructure and providing a real, affordable choice for people, it is possible to create a more equitable and inclusive society. These actions will not only improve access to employment, education, and healthcare, but also foster social inclusion and economic mobility for all.

The public sector has a responsibility to address these pressing transport challenges and should actively harness the expertise and innovation of the private sector wherever possible. By fostering collaboration between public bodies and private enterprises, we can develop a transport network that is not only efficient and sustainable but also inclusive – meeting the diverse needs and aspirations of all residents and workers. This partnership is essential in ensuring that the transport system caters for urban and rural areas alike, offering affordable, accessible, and reliable mobility options that empower communities and drive economic growth. Through strategic collaboration, the public and private sectors can jointly create a future-proof transport network that enhances quality of life for all.

Therefore, I urge each and every one of you reading this article to reflect deeply on the decisions you are making to “improve” the transport network and user experience. Are these choices truly delivering meaningful benefits for all members of society, particularly those with the greatest need? It is not enough to pursue progress that serves the few – true success lies in creating a transport system that lifts everyone, especially the most vulnerable. As decision-makers, planners, and stakeholders, we must critically assess whether our efforts are breaking down barriers or inadvertently reinforcing them. The goal should be an inclusive, accessible, and equitable transport network that leaves no one behind.