Transport is at the centre of many economic, social and environmental challenges, accounting for a quarter of energy-related global greenhouse gas emissions worldwide and 64% of global oil consumption. Sustainable transport is the movement of goods and people in a way that has a minimal impact on the environment and is seen as key in achieving a green future.

In the face of the escalating effects of climate change, the concept of sustainable transport has never been more important. However, a question remains: is sustainable transport truly accessible? 

Accessibility in the context of transport involves different dimensions:

Geographical accessibility

Options such as walking, wheeling, i.e. the use of wheelchairs, mobility scooters, push scooters or e-scooters, cycling or electric vehicles (EVs) are more geographically accessible in urban areas where the right infrastructure is more concentrated. Big urban areas, like Greater London, with more than 21,000 public electric vehicle charging stations,  make it easier to consider owing an electric vehicle. On the other hand, rural, remote and less populated areas are less likely to have the appropriate infrastructure which makes sustainable transport in such areas a less feasible option. Options such as walking and cycling are feasible for shorter urban trips and are harder to complete in rural areas due to the, in general, further distance to travel. 

Personal accessibility

Physical, mental and psychological characteristics or specific needs can impact people’s choices when it comes to what type of mode of transport to rely on. In a recent CIHT’s publication  “ Creating a public realm for all” we explored how to remove barriers that create undue effort and separation from the public realm, so that it can be accessible to all through inclusive design. The report highlights how, for example, poor road design and/or maintenance makes journeys on foot, by cycle or using other wheeled modes (such as wheelchairs or mobility scooters) not accessible to some people.  

Economic accessibility

Another aspect to consider is that the transition to sustainable transport options to move people and goods, like electric vehicles, can be expensive and therefore exclude the proportion of society who cannot afford them. The upfront cost of EVs, for example, is still much higher than regular petrol or diesel vehicles, with estimates suggesting it is 10% higher. 
While there are some public incentives and schemes that would reduce the overall costs of buying and owning an EV, usually these apply after the initial purchase. This means that people would still need to afford the upfront cost, and many cannot afford to do so due to a lack of sufficient savings. A similar dynamic applies to public transport. Although buying a season tickets can reduce the costs of individual journeys, it requires an upfront payment that some people may not be able to afford. 

While sustainable transport is a goal within reach, its accessibility remains uneven. To make transport truly accessible to all, a coordinated approach that considers how to include everyone in the transition to a greener future is needed. Financial barriers, geographical disparities and personal circumstances all have an impact on the choices that people make when they travel. Ensuring that everyone can participate and benefit from sustainable transport is one of the priorities for the future of the highways sector. 

We will further discuss this topic on our upcoming online CIHT Masterclass on 19th  September , 13:00-14:00. 

We will focus on how decarbonisation policies and interventions do not land on society on a level plain field, but rather interact with a complex network of existing inequalities.

Join us to hear about the newest CIHT Policy Briefing on "Ensuring a Just Transition to Net Zero Transport".  

We will discuss how we can design policies to ensure that benefits (and costs) are shared fairly and reasonably among people while supporting those who are in a vulnerable position. 

To not miss out on the discussion, make sure to book your ticket for the Masterclass here.  

Further resources 

Creating a public realm for all | CIHT

A public realm for all: new directions in transport planning | CIHT

Better Planning, Better Transport, Better Places | CIHT

Where to put public electric vehicle charge points? (ciht.org.uk)

Creating better streets: Inclusive and accessible places 

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