Youth in public transport

Purpose and goal

An overreaching and strategic goal with this project is to build competencies concerning issues of children and youth, their mobility and safety in traffic. In 2007-2008, a pilot study, financed by VINNOVA, Vägverket and Banverket was performed and different methods for investigation of childrens use of public transportation, more specifically bus were developed (see Johansson & Siotis, 2009). This new project aims at extending the results of the pilot and performing full scale studies. The specific goals for the project are: Making use of survey material, gathered in buses (1400 surveys from children and youth under 18 years of age) and schools (370 surveys from pupils) Using the questionnaire developed in the pilot study to gather a larger data material, specifically from cities where measures have been taken to further the use of public transportation Investigating the relationships between children/youth and bus drivers and the importance of this relationship for the experience of the bus journey. Furthermore, to use this knowledge to create a material for educational purposes for bus drivers. To investigate the possibility of a bus destined to cultural and sports activities, which may lead to an increased use of centres of such activities, for instance sports facilities through increased use of already available bus and driver resources. To implement and evaluate the above mentioned concept

Results and expected effects

Effects on the societal and structural level Better knowledge of what measures furthering use of public transportation are most effective for children and youth (by surveys directed at these groups) Decrease of environmental impact by lessening parental driving to childrens activities. This will also decrease stress for parents and increase childrens self-sufficiency and experience). If attitudes of parents and children could be made more favourable to public transportation, the new generation may be less prone to use cars as adults. A more efficient use of the existing system of public transportation through using available resources in terms of buses and drivers more outside of peak hours Effects on the institutional/organizational level A route network better fitted to the needs of children and youth in terms of route design, trafficking hours and pricing. Greater knowledge on the part of drivers as to childrens needs as passengers. Sports and cultural activities may experience an increase of young participants in problems relating to transportation could be alleviated. Effects on the individual level: Less car dependency for families maybe a second car will be unnecessary if the need for leisure activity driving could be diminished. (Today a second car is not uncommon in families because of such needs.) Increased health benefits for children since travels by bus tend to entail more physical activity than such by car. Since many leisure activities are sports, beneficial health effects also follow. Increased self-sufficiency and self-control for children and youth by the possibility to travel on their own hand and thus choosing leisure activities more freely. Less stress for parents as requirements to drive to activities decrease.

Approach and implementation

Winter 09/10 interviews with bus drivers, working in different contexts, for instance in local and regional traffic will be performed. Their views of children and youth as passengers as well as their own roles in relation to these groups will be targeted. Problems and possibilities will be surveyed. On the basis of a qualitative analysis of this material, a web-based questionnaire will be developed during spring 2010. Drivers of Bergkvara Buss and Arriva will participate in this survey. The material will be statistically analysed and result in an educational material directed at bus drivers concerning issues of children and youth. During spring 2010, collaboration will be established with a number of municipalities, schools and leisure organizations and planning for a sports and cultures bus will be en route. This bus will be marketed during spring 2010, mostly using schools as channels of information. This bus traffic will run from autumn 2010 and during spring 2011, I e a full school year. Surveys to evaluate this venture will be performed with parents, children, bus drivers and leisure organizations. During spring 2010 collaboration will be established with a number of municipalities, having taken specific measures to further bus use for children and youth. Surveys targeting attitudes and travelling behaviour based on the questionnaire developed in the pilot study will be performed. This data collection will take place during the entire 2010. Analyses of the material will take place during 2011. During autumn 2011, the final report will be written.