Designing a blueprint using participatory mapping techniques for community co-production to target transport poverty

In addition to the energy crisis still faced by many households post-COVID, transport poverty is another major issue impacting on the most vulnerable and disadvantaged members of society, particularly in the north of England. The right to access essential services, a fundamental human right, is being denied due to inadequate public transport provision. Despite various initiatives which have been implemented, including Transport for Greater Manchester’s new Bee Network, challenges still persist. In this paper, we consolidate our recent work to address travel-related social exclusion in the North of England, by emphasising the importance of co-production involving local communities, as key stakeholders and decision-makers in planning transport infrastructure. The main users of public transport, those impacted by the service provided or lack of provision, need to contribute to the future planning.

The research team at the University of Manchester’s Urban Institute worked with Transport for Greater Manchester and Transport for the North to understand key issues of concern relating to travel-related social exclusion. The team then worked with a local community in a disadvantaged area of northwest Manchester to develop a model of consultation which would enable residents to contribute to the co-production of future public transport planning. A mixed method approach was employed (quantitative and qualitative) using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis of key social demographic information; and targeted focus groups with local residents to gather primary data. Creative methods of engagement were used, including participatory mapping and photo voice, to identify key issues faced by disadvantaged communities with the existing transport infrastructure.

This collaborative effort to tackle transport austerity will provide a blueprint for community co-production that can be replicated in other local authorities across Greater Manchester to inform development of the Bee Network.