The rural transport problem refers to difficulties experienced in providing

transport Transport (in British English) or transportation (in American English) is the intentional Motion, movement of humans, animals, and cargo, goods from one location to another. Mode of transport, Modes of transport include aviation, air, land tr ...

links to

rural In general, a rural area or a countryside is a geographic area that is located outside towns and cities. Typical rural areas have a low population density and small settlements. Agricultural areas and areas with forestry are typically desc ...

communities. Low rural

population density Population density (in agriculture: Standing stock (disambiguation), standing stock or plant density) is a measurement of population per unit land area. It is mostly applied to humans, but sometimes to other living organisms too. It is a key geog ...

makes viable

public transport Public transport (also known as public transit, mass transit, or simply transit) are forms of transport available to the general public. It typically uses a fixed schedule, route and charges a fixed fare. There is no rigid definition of whic ...

difficult, though people in rural areas usually have a greater need for transport than urban dwellers. High levels of car ownership can diminish the problem, but certain rural groups (the young, old or poor) always require public transport. Increasing car ownership may put pressure on existing rural public transport, prompting a diminished service, which in turn encourages even higher car ownership, creating a vicious circle of public transport decline. Transport plays a key role in responding to the problem of rural

social exclusion Social exclusion or social marginalisation is the social disadvantage and relegation to the fringe of society. It is a term that has been used widely in Europe and was first used in France in the late 20th century. In the EU context, the Euro ...

. The often large distances between services and population centres in rural areas mean it is difficult for people without access to private transport. In particular, in rural areas around the world, an increasing number of ageing car drivers are having to make the transition to non-driver. Alternative transport will play a key role in keeping these people engaged in mainstream society.

Use of partnerships

Around the world, collaborative structures such as partnerships are often used to govern rural transport and accessibility issues. Partnerships in transport are useful because: * Local transport and accessibility issues are complex, intersecting with many sectors, levels of government and policy areas; * Low population densities and resource constraints in rural areas make innovation and flexibility in local transport a necessity; * All rural areas are different, and strategies need to take into account local problems and opportunities; * Effective delivery of projects often depends on the expertise or capacity of multiple actors, from multiple sectors; and * Due to their local legitimacy, they are well-placed to influence policy.

References

{{Reflist Public transport Transportation planning