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Chapter 12: Conclusions
Previous chapters have examined various issues impacting upon development of a National Transport Strategy. This chapter summarises the key points emerging from this programme of research.
All respondents agreed with the need for a National Transport Strategy as laid out in the consultation document, although there was a degree of cynicism as to how effective it would be to implement this.
Many respondents found it difficult to consider this Strategy from a strategic perspective and views were usually based on perceptions of different modes of travel rather than actual experience. Furthermore, some respondents found it difficult to link different objectives of the Strategy together.
Most respondents were car drivers or car users and only a small number had chosen not to own a car. This choice was often made on the basis of economic necessity rather than a positive lifestyle choice. Furthermore, most of our younger respondents aspired to car ownership as early as possible.
Overall, the research suggests that most car users are unlikely to radically reduce car usage. That said, there were some suggestions that it may be easier to persuade some groups of individuals to give greater consideration to increased use of public transport and this was often linked to lifestage. For example, it was generally felt that older people might be persuaded to make use of public transport as they have more time available to travel. Conversely, it was felt that those with young children to deliver to school on their way to work or those working would be less likely to use public transport.
All respondents noted that one essential requirement to help persuade car users to consider other forms of public transport would be an increase in the availability of public transport services, both in terms of geographic coverage and frequency of service. Across all the groups of respondents, there was a preference for an increase in train services or the introduction of trams. Perceptions of trains and trams as forms of transport were generally more positive than those of buses.
Accessibility was a key issue for respondents and a number of suggestions were made as to how to overcome current barriers to usage of public transport. Central to this will be a truly integrated transport network and provision of information on this.
Many respondents noted the need for different forms of information to be provided to users and to be easily accessible for non users. In line with this, there were calls for providers of public transport services to work together to ensure that provision meets the needs of all potential transport users.
A key barrier in relation to usage of public transport was cost. Local public transport in particular was seen to be costly and there were some comments on the inconsistent application of bus and train fares. There was an apparent contradiction between the availability of cheap air fares in particular - that are seen to encourage air travel - and the need to encourage people to use alternative forms of travel to the plane.
There were also seen to be some contradictions between the aims of the strategy and its actual implementation. For example, while most respondents acknowledged the need for continuing economic growth for Scotland, many saw an aim to reduce travel in Scotland as counteracting economic growth. Similarly, advertising strategies aimed at selling more cars were perceived to work against the aim and objectives of the Strategy.
The Scottish Executive was seen to be the most appropriate organisation to manage the introduction of a National Transport Strategy and to act as co-ordinator between providers of public transport, local authorities and others involved in the implementation of different elements of the strategy.
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