Transport problems that matter - social and psychological links to transport disadvantage

This paper presents an analysis exploring self-reported measures of transport disadvantage and how these relate to social exclusion and well-being in Melbourne, Australia. A sample of 535 individuals sourced from a household survey explores ratings of 18 types of transport problems. The questionnaire also measured social exclusion represented in five dimensions including income, unemployment, political engagement, participation in activities and social support networks. Well-being was also measured adopting standard psychological measures of 'Satisfaction with Life', 'Personal Well-being Index,' 'Positive Affect' and 'Negative Affect'. A factor analysis of self-reported transport difficulties identified four statistically significant sub-scales ('transport disadvantage', 'transit disadvantage', 'Vulnerable/Impaired' and 'rely on others') which together account for 57% of the variance in the responses. Analysis established that those with high self-reported transport problems were more likely to be located in fringe and remote parts of the city and lived in areas where it was not possible to walk to a local shop. However all groups made an average number of trips per day (except the 'Vulnerable/Impaired' group which make fewer trips) suggesting that self-reported transport disadvantage is unrelated to realised mobility. Analysis further established that only the 'Vulnerable/Impaired' group was associated with social exclusion and that they also had the lowest values of well-being compared to other groups. Overall findings confirm the methodological concerns associated with the use of self-reported measures of transport problems as a basis for defining transport disadvantage. The majority of those with high self-reported transport problems did not travel less than the survey sample as a whole and they were not associated with social exclusion. However the 'Vulnerable/Impaired' group was the exception, displaying a significantly higher association with social exclusion and lower well-being. The findings suggest which aspects of transport disadvantage are likely to be of greater concern for social policy. A concentration of research and policy on issues and social groups associated with the 'Vulnerable/Impaired' factor would be more effective in reducing social exclusion. Transport problems associated with this group including physical access to transport, knowing where to go and feeling safe from theft or attack when travelling may deserve higher priorities for attention. In addition those associated with the 'Vulnerable/Impaired' factor including older retired females and those who are more likely to be looking after someone with an illness or disability are clearly a high risk group and should warrant positive discrimination in transport and social policy. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.