Public transport reduces need to learn to drive - ESRI
People who grow up in areas with better access to public transport and who learn to drive later in life rely less on cars when they are older, according to a new study by the Economic and Social Research Institute.
A recent study by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) finds that people who live in areas with better public transport access tend to learn to drive at later ages, according to a report funded by the Department of Transport. The survey of over 2,000 individuals aged 16 and over showed that in areas lacking public transport, 60% of people had learned to drive by age 20, compared to 40% in areas with good public transport access.
The ESRI added that a five-year delay in learning to drive results in driving 1,500 kilometers less annually. Improving public transport in underserved areas could generate long-term reductions in car use by reducing pressure to obtain a driving license. The study also indicates that lowering barriers to public transport for young people through discounted fares and frequent services yields enduring effects on driving behavior.
The findings support policies like reduced fares for young adults and free bus travel for under 22-year-olds in Scotland. Senior research officer Dr. Shane Timmons emphasized the need for accessible, affordable, and attractive public transport for young people, stating that improved public transport yields environmental benefits beyond the immediate catchment area.
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