New calls for cheaper public transport

One of the keys top solving poverty in Scotland is to make public transport more affordable, according to a new report.

A study published by the Poverty and Inequality Commission set out 13 recommendations for the system to be redesigned so that it meets the needs of people on low incomes.

In its analysis, the commission found people on low incomes are more likely to use public transport but the cost of doing so can put significant pressures on household budgets.

The report also suggested poor transport services can cause people to feel isolated and cut off from where they need to go.

Among its recommendations, the commission said Transport Scotland could pilot methods of making travel more affordable, such as widening access to concessionary travel schemes.

Kaliani Lyle, deputy chairwoman of the committee, said: "For too many people, unaffordable and unreliable public transport is locking them into poverty.

"We heard about feelings of isolation from those without easy access to public transport, the anxiety of unreliable networks and high levels of stress that stems from high transport costs putting pressure on already stretched budgets.

"The commission's recommendations set out actions that must be taken if transport is to fulfil its potential to release people from the grip of poverty, enabling people to access employment and education and improving quality of life for those on low incomes.''

Ms Lyle added: "While significant amounts of money are invested in public transport, those on the lowest incomes, particularly women, disabled people and those in rural areas, often see little benefit.

"A transport network that proceeds from a rights-based starting point will go a long way to address this.''

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "The Scottish Government is taking concrete action to tackle and reduce poverty and is the only part of the UK to have set in statute income targets to eradicate child poverty.

"We recognise the importance of transport in improving lives and welcome the work of the Commission."`Our upcoming National Transport Strategy will set-out our ambitions for an affordable transport system that will allow everyone, regardless of where they live, fair access to reliable services that are easy to use by all. It will also encourage people to get involved in the decisions that affect them and allow them to have their say on the best way forward for their communities.

"More specifically, Transport Scotland is reviewing the concessionary travel scheme discounts available to young people up to 26 and is continuing to progress pilots for extending concessions to young carers and for modern apprentices. The Plugged in Households grant fund is supporting eight housing associations to procure the services of car clubs and our Just Transition Commission will provide independent advice on moving to a carbon-neutral economy.

"We will take time to carefully consider these findings and respond fully in due course."