Gloucestershire, UK July 14, 2025 A recent report by the Gloucestershire Community Rail Partnership has revealed that young people in Gloucestershire and neighboring Oxfordshire are increasingly discouraged from using public transport due to rising costs, accessibility challenges, and safety concerns. The findings, based on interviews and surveys with over 900 individuals aged 13 to 25, underscore significant barriers that risk undermining sustainable transport goals and social inclusion.
- Young People Shun Public Transport Over Cost and Accessibility Barriers
- Safety Concerns and Service Reliability Remain Critical Issues
- Local and National Authorities Respond to Transport Challenges
- Broader Context: Rising Costs and Declining Ridership Nationally
- Future Outlook: Policy Initiatives and Innovations
- Conclusion
Young People Shun Public Transport Over Cost and Accessibility Barriers
L' Youth Transport Report, compiled by the Gloucestershire Community Rail Partnership, surveyed hundreds of young people across Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire to gauge their experiences and perceptions of public transport. The report found that 44% of respondents cited cost as the principal obstacle preventing them from using buses and trains regularly, while 18% highlighted difficulties related to accessibility.
Martin Kinac, a 19-year-old resident of Gloucester who regularly travels to Birmingham by train, described his struggles: “It’s been so difficult in recent years. A lot of the time services get delayed or cancelled. On top of that, the price keeps going up and up.” Mr Kinac noted that fares for his route have increased by around 40% in the past few years, underscoring the sharp upward trend in public transport pricing.
Luke Goddard, Youth Engagement and Insight Lead for the Gloucestershire Community Rail Partnership, commented on the significance of these insights: “This report highlights the real issues young people face when trying to access public transport. We hope this will prompt transport providers and local authorities to address these barriers and begin implementing the ideas suggested by young people themselves.”
Safety Concerns and Service Reliability Remain Critical Issues
Beyond cost and accessibility, safety emerged as a significant concern among young respondents. Many reported feeling unsafe at bus stops during evening hours or apprehensive about travelling on certain routes. Reliability problems compound these anxieties, with frequent delays and cancellations discouraging regular use.
Chris Hanson, Managing Director of Stagecoach West, which operates many bus services in Gloucestershire, acknowledged the challenges: “Reports such as this are invaluable in helping us understand how to make our services more attractive and accessible to younger passengers. We recognise that service reliability and safety are crucial factors for this demographic.”
Mr Hanson also noted that several recommendations from the report align with initiatives already underway through the Bus Service Improvement Plan a collaborative effort involving Stagecoach, Gloucestershire County Council, and other local operators aimed at enhancing service quality and coverage.
Local and National Authorities Respond to Transport Challenges
The Department for Transport has pledged support to improve public transport infrastructure and services in the region. A spokesperson confirmed that “£8 million is being allocated to Gloucestershire County Council this year to support sustainable bus services and related infrastructure improvements.”
Gloucestershire County Council has recently prioritized youth engagement in transport planning, recognising that public transport plays a vital role in promoting social mobility, reducing carbon emissions, and maintaining connectivity for rural and suburban communities.
Cllr Sarah Lister, Gloucestershire’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning, said: “Young people’s feedback is essential to shaping transport services that meet their needs. We are committed to working with operators and community groups to ensure public transport is affordable, accessible, and safe for everyone.”
Broader Context: Rising Costs and Declining Ridership Nationally
The challenges facing young people in Gloucestershire reflect a wider national trend. According to a 2024 report by the Rail Delivery Group, passenger numbers among those aged 16-24 have declined by 15% since 2019, with cost and service disruptions cited as key reasons.
Factors contributing to rising transport costs include inflationary pressures, reduced government subsidies, and fuel price volatility. The COVID-19 pandemic also profoundly disrupted service patterns and funding mechanisms, forcing operators to adjust fare structures amid financial uncertainty.
Transport analyst Dr. Helen Robinson of the Institute for Transport Studies at the University of Leeds explains: “Young people are disproportionately affected by transport affordability because they often rely on public transport for education, employment, and social activities, but typically have lower disposable incomes. Without targeted interventions, there is a risk of increasing social exclusion and reduced economic opportunity.”
Future Outlook: Policy Initiatives and Innovations
In response to these challenges, local authorities alongside transport providers are exploring innovative solutions. Ideas generated from the Youth Transport Report include discounted youth passes, improved real-time information systems, safer bus shelters, and better route planning to serve schools and training centres.
The Enhanced Partnership between Stagecoach and Gloucestershire County Council has committed to piloting measures that address the report’s recommendations. Additionally, the council is investigating grant schemes for low-income young people to subsidise travel costs.
Nationally, the government’s Bus Strategy aims to expand funding for local services, promote integrated ticketing, and enhance accessibility standards. However, budget constraints and competing priorities mean progress will require sustained advocacy and community engagement.
Conclusion
The findings of the Gloucestershire Community Rail Partnership’s Youth Transport Report provide a detailed snapshot of the barriers dissuading young people from using public transport in the region. With cost, accessibility, safety, and reliability as critical concerns, stakeholders across public and private sectors face an urgent need to collaborate on solutions that ensure equitable and sustainable transport access.
As Martin Kinac and many others demonstrate, affordable, reliable, and safe public transport is essential for young people’s mobility, independence, and long-term socioeconomic wellbeing. Without addressing these challenges, the sector risks alienating a key user group at a pivotal moment in the transition towards greener, more connected communities.
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