Rural transport problem

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.

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.