NCB Now: Positive travel habits for young people
Monday, March 21, 2011
NCB believes young people need to have positive travel experiences to develop sustainable and active travel habits now and into the future. Public transport is central to their lives. As well as giving access to education, employment and social opportunities, it supports the development of social skills, confidence and independence.
NCB's Talkin' Transitions project was designed to help school pupils do just this by supporting them to make active travel choices as they move from primary to secondary school. A guide for schools is available at www.ncb.org.uk/osow/transport_and_active_travel.aspx.
While most young people are particularly dependent on public transport, those living in poverty, in rural areas, disabled young people and some young people from minority ethnic groups face a number of barriers to making use of public transport including cost, safety, access and availability.
Alongside cycling and walking, public transport is also key to a more sustainable travel future. Less car travel will result in lower CO2 emissions, less congestion and pollution, communities where streets are places for play and socialising, and improved health as more people take exercise through their active travel choices. Young people have told us that they want to use public transport now and into adulthood and they understand that reducing car use is an effective way of reducing carbon emissions.
NCB is developing a programme of work to give young people the knowledge, skills and confidence to use public transport more. It will also support transport executives and operators to engage with young people to ensure transport services meet their needs as well as those of the whole community.
