City in motion

Abstract

This research focuses on the transport poverty that exists in Rotterdam and might increase when the revision plans for public transport are conducted. The concept of transport poverty ties in with social exclusion. Social exclusion is a complex issue and is conceptualized as the process that hinders individuals from full participation in society. Transport poverty contributes to this because it hinders individuals from participating in society due to a limited means of transport. Based on the found literature, the indicators that influence transport poverty are identified and the risk of transport poverty model is formed. From the analysis it is concluded that the neighbourhoods located on the outskirts of the city and the neighbourhoods with a low socioeconomic status score high on the risk of transport poverty. To get an understanding of how transport poverty is experienced in the neighbourhood, a qualitative analysis of transport poverty and related social exclusion is investigated. The semi-structured analysis is conducted to understand the social exclusion of residents by looking at their travel features, transport choice, disadvantages of travelling, motivation for non trip making, and their travel needs. From the interviews with the participants, it is indicated that economic, spatial, physical, fear-based, and time-based exclusion exist in the neighbourhood. Exclusion of facilities is only seen by the group of participants with ability problems. This study is helping to fill the gap in an understudied area of transport poverty and related social exclusion. The qualitative analysis enhanced the theoretical research by exploring the various reasons and impacts of the travel experience and by comprehension of various aspects of social exclusion.