Transportation access linked to economic mobility and healthcare

Reliable transportation is increasingly recognized as a critical component of economic mobility and social connection. In the United Kingdom, research from Age UK and the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales highlights how transport barriers affect older populations. Findings indicate that 53% of surveyed older people in Wales found it difficult to reach GP practices using public transport. Beyond basic movement, transport is viewed as essential community infrastructure that enables access to healthcare, essential services, and social relationships.

In the United States, the impact of transportation on economic opportunity is similarly significant. Nick Miccarelli, CEO of DELGO Community Transit, notes that transportation failures often lead to missed work shifts, medical appointments, and educational opportunities. Data from the 2021 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey supports this, showing that 6.2% of U.S. adults reported that unreliable transportation prevented them from attending medical appointments, work, or obtaining daily necessities within a 12-month period.