Event
05/03/2025 Online

PT Lab: Importance of public transport for young and older people

This edition of the POLIS Public Transport Lab webinar series will explore the crucial role of public transport in supporting young and older people to combat loneliness and social exclusion while ensuring safe and accessible mobility. Featuring insights from the University of the West of England Bristol, Via Transportation, and Vervoerregio Amsterdam. 

It is no secret that transport plays a crucial role in ensuring that people can participate fully in society. The ability to move comfortably and safely to access employment, education, healthcare, and recreational opportunities and to maintain connections with family and friends is vital for everyone, regardless of age. However, for specific populations, namely younger and older adults, the reliance on alternative transportation modes—such as walking, cycling, and public transport—becomes even more crucial for ensuring their mobility and independence.

While accessibility and mobility are fundamental issues impacting everyone, this upcoming webinar will specifically delve into the significance of public transport for these two age demographics. We aim to highlight the unique challenges faced by individuals in these life stages, where driving may not be a viable option due to various factors, including physical limitations, age-related changes, or the lack of access to a vehicle.

The discussion will focus on the essentials that need to be addressed to transform public transport into a truly accessible and user-friendly option for younger and older adults. The webinar will explore research and experiences in various EU cities and foster a deeper understanding of the importance of inclusive transport solutions that empower all citizens to navigate their communities with ease and confidence.

Taking place on 5 March from 14:00 to 15:00, this webinar complements not only the PT Lab series but also the Active Travel & Health webinar on Active Travel for all ages, which has also shed light on the mobility of children and older adults.

Register here!

For questions, please contact Andréia Lopes Azevedo, alopes@polisnetwork.eu.


What to expect from this webinar

This session will explore the crucial role of public transport in supporting young and older people to combat loneliness and social exclusion while ensuring safe and accessible mobility.

Featuring:

  • Professor Kiron Chatterjee from the University of the West of England Bristol will present the study Transport to Thrive done in partnership with Sustrans. Transport to Thrive aims to make the policy case for transport that better enables young people aged 16-24 to make journeys and reach opportunities and was part of the Health Foundation’s Young People’s Future Health Inquiry.
  • Samuel Griffiths and Clelia Schwing from Via Transportation will share some insights from pilots in Europe focusing on on-demand transport, with solutions like Ruter in Oslo, Norway, and the service Étoile in Dunkirk, North of France.
  • Zahraa Jawad from Vervoerregio Amsterdam will present the region's pilot in Interreg North-Sea project SMALL focused on making public transport more accessible for people with reduced mobility, including families and children, elderly people, and people with physical impairments.

The Public Transport Lab webinar series puts our vision for sustainable urban mobility into practice, shaping the future of public transport to become more efficient, inclusive, and resilient.

The Public Transport Lab webinar series is relaunching in 2024 to explore the future of public transport and its role in sustainable urban mobility. Running from November 2024 to early 2025, the series will cover key trends and innovations, bringing together local authorities, transport operators, and mobility experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Interested? Discover all the Public Transport Lab webinars

 

Please note: This webinar series will include some sessions open to the public, while others will be available to POLIS members only. Check each webinar for more information.