An introduction to social inclusion

An introduction to social inclusion

One of the Department for Transport’s strategic objectives is to promote greater equality of opportunity for all citizens, with the desired outcome of achieving a fairer society. The Department is looking to enhance social inclusion and the regeneration of deprived or remote areas by enabling disadvantaged people to connect with employment opportunities, key local services, social networks and goods through improving accessibility, availability, affordability and acceptability.

We investigate the needs of different social groups, including:

Children and young people: by understanding their transport needs, we produce strategies and approaches that can be used to promote greater usage of existing facilities;

Minority, ethnic and faith communities: by identifying a lack of adequate communication with minority groups more imaginative methods are now being used. For example, several organisations now use translation software to give travel assistance;

Older people: by being flexible enough to respond to the needs of an ageing population;

Disabled people: by improving transport provision for disabled people – whether as pedestrians, public and special transport users, or motorists – while also improving accessibility in public places;

Socially excluded people: by providing funding for better services and by improving the availability, accessibility, acceptability and affordability of public transport.  Some initiatives include providing free local bus fares for elderly and disabled people and introducing accessibility planning in to the local transport planning system. 

Women: by promoting safe and accessible environments.

Further information on what we do, can be found on Social inclusion.