Council backs call to improve rural transport for young people
A motion calling for greater focus on the transport barriers faced by young people in rural communities has been backed by West Lindsey District Councillors.
The motion, raised by Coun Emma Bailey and seconded by Coun Paul Key, focussed particularly on apprentices, who rely on affordable and reliable travel to access work, training and education.
It called for the Leader of the Council to write to the Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire to highlight the challenges faced by young people in rural areas such as West Lindsey and feed those issues into the emerging local transport plan.
Members agreed that rural transport provision should be reviewed for young people, including bus services and access for apprentices, with meaningful engagement with schools, colleges, apprenticeship providers, employers, youth organisations and young people themselves to better understand the barriers they face.
The motion also called for consideration of practical interventions including:
- Wheels to Work.
- Improved rural bus services.
- Affordable travel options for under-twenty-fives.
- Targeted support for driving lessons and tests for 16 to 18-year-olds.
- Means-tested travel bursaries for apprentices and young people in villages with limited evening or weekend bus services.
Coun Bailey said: “Young people, particularly apprentices, should not be disadvantaged because they live in a rural area. Resources should be directed towards addressing structural barriers faced by young people. Affordable and reliable transport is essential for helping young people, particularly apprentices under eighteen, to remain connected to education, employment, apprenticeships, volunteering and community life.”
She added that apprentices can face particular challenges because their income is often minimal and they may not receive the same level of financial support as young people in full-time education.
Coun Key, who seconded the motion, said: “West Lindsey covers a large rural area, and we cannot allow transport barriers to hold young people back. Whatever needs to be done, to help young people get into work, training and education must be taken seriously.”
The motion prompted strong support and detailed debate from councillors, with members highlighting the impact of limited bus services, travel costs and poor rural connectivity on opportunity, wellbeing and access to work and education. The motion was carried as amended.