Innovation Is Needed To Deliver Rural Transport Services
Friday 30 July 2010
Petrol and diesel prices continuing to soar and the centralisation of many public services such as health care and education mean rural consumers have to travel further at more expense. Ryan Simpson, Interim Head of Transport outlines the Consumer Council’s views on the need to improve rural transport services.
“The Consumer Council protects and promotes the interests of bus, train, air and ferry passengers in Northern Ireland. We also handle complaints about bus, train, air and ferry services and work with providers to improve their policies so all passengers benefit. As the consumer representative for bus and train passengers, we campaign for better public transport infrastructure and we are aware of the unique needs facing rural consumers.
“A lack ofessential services (eg health clinics, post offices) and amenities (eg leisure centres, libraries) in rural areas coupled with the centralisation of many public services such as health care and education means many consumers have to travel longer distances than ever before.
“We are calling on the Executive, the Assembly, local Government and transport providers to take a number of steps to ensure the transport needs of rural consumers are met:
1. More flexible public transport solutions that connect people in rural areas into the wider public transport network. An example of this in practice is ‘Dial A lift’, a service operated by Rural Community Transport Partnerships across Northern Ireland. Its aim is to provide consumers who don’t have access to transport, the help they need to get to essential services and amenities. ‘Dial A Lift’ is delivered using a range of resources including minibuses, volunteer car drivers and local taxi providers.
2. A more joined up approach from all those involved in transport provision in rural areas. In addition to public transport operators, the health and education sectors also play a role in the provision of transport for consumers, yet there is limited co-ordination across these sectors.
3. Explore more options on how public services are designed and delivered to reduce the number of consumers travelling long distances. Many services such as health and education facilities have been located in areas that are only accessible to car users. Where it is only possible to provide an essential service in a centralised location, there must be public transport links in place so that consumers in rural areas are not disadvantaged.
4. Tackle the physical barriers that many rural people face when trying to access public transport. There is a need to improve the accessibility of the entire journey from start to finish, by improving infrastructure such as bus stops and pavements and using flexible services. Investment in new buses and trains (where available) has gone some way to increase their accessibility and comfort but accessibility extends beyond the vehicle.
5. Improved integration between all types of public transport. This is needed to promote sustainable transport and encourage people out of their cars and onto public transport. Improved integration will help Northern Ireland meet Government sustainability, social inclusion and economic priorities.
“The current economic climate does present challenges for government and transport operators but also presents an opportunity to produce a more joined up, flexible and innovative approach to deliver the rural transport services that people need and deserve.
“Our local Assembly is focussing on how public transport can be delivered better in Northern Ireland. We will represent the views of rural consumers to ensure that public transport is governed, designed and delivered to meet their needs. The Consumer Council is committed to playing its part in delivering these practical actions.
“If you would like to share your views on rural transport with us or have an opinion on the Consumer Council’s suggested steps, please get in contact with us on 0800 121 6022, e-mail: complaints@consumercouncil.org.uk or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
“The Consumer Council also handles complaints about planes, ferries, natural gas, electricity, coal and water”.
