Transport poverty and transport justice

This page outlines our understanding of transport justice, and how this underpins our work on active travel and sustainable transport. 

What does transport justice mean

Transport justice suggests everyone should be able to get where they need and want to go in an affordable, accessible, reliable and sustainable way (Poverty Alliance, 2024).

  • Affordable: transport systems (for example bus, train, subway, walking, wheeling and cycling networks) need to be affordable for the most financially marginalised in society
  • Accessible: transport systems need to be designed and built for the most marginalised in society (for example those with health inequalities limiting their mobility)
  • Reliable: transport systems need to be reliable to ensure people trust in them and can move around safely
  • Sustainable: transport systems need to have a positive impact on society. This includes having low/ zero climate emissions, but also enabling a 'just transition', with fair and equitable working conditions and resource use, compatible with life for future generations

Transport poverty is also a relevant concept here - referring to transport systems which do not meet the needs of people, resulting in inequalities in terms of who can access essential services. For example, if there are no buses and you are financially excluded from car ownership, it may be difficult to meet people, attend appointments or work. This is also compounded (made worse) if you experience other inequalities, for example health or gender inequalities, which can put more pressures on daily life.

How did we get here

The current transport system is failing to meet the needs of all people, where some have increasingly better access to resources, while others are further excluded (Bike PGH, 2021). Many factors have contributed to this over many years. For example, lots of institutions, businesses and people making decisions, whether intentionally or unintentionally, that do not put people first, but instead focus on efficiency and profitability (Karel Martens, 2016; Bike PGH, 2021).

How we apply this to our work

Our active travel and sustainable transport work is underpinned by transport justice. This means that what we do, and how we talk about what we do, centres on people’s needs for transport systems in west Glasgow. It focuses on improving transport systems so that they are more affordable, accessible, sustainable and reliable. Through our Community Travel Diaries, Community-led Transport Forum, Bike Breakfasts and Health Walks, we consider: 

  • What are people’s experiences of getting around in West Glasgow
  • Who has access and who is excluded from transport to get around
  • What are the needs of the most marginalised communities in the area
  • Who is making decisions about transport systems in the area
  • Who is involved in transport policy, planning and design in the area
  • Who is funding transport systems in the area

How you can get involved

Suggested reading references

Funder

This work is funded by several partners, including Strathclyde Partnership for Transport.

Header image credit: Robert Wood Johnson Foundations, 2022

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