The spatial context of transport disadvantage, social exclusion and well-being

This paper explores the spatial differences in measures of transport disadvantage, social exclusion and well-being in a survey of inner metropolitan, outer suburban, urban fringe and regional areas of Victoria, Australia. Its aim is to understand how geographic context may influence transport disadvantage which may in turn influence social exclusion and well-being. There were very clear differences in mobility and car reliance between geographic locations. Car reliance peaked in fringe Melbourne with regional areas showing slightly less car reliance. Mobility and kilometres travelled also increased with distance from central Melbourne, which in turn resulted in greater sensitivity to fuel price increases. Again these factors were greatest in fringe Melbourne. Links between transport disadvantage and social exclusion were small and inconsistent in this paper although they have been demonstrated in other research. Links between transport disadvantage and well-being were strongest in the regional sample. The implications of these findings and their connection to the transport literature are discussed.

► Car reliance and fuel price sensitivity is higher in the city fringe than in regional centres.
► In all areas, the activities people were most likely to report difficulty accessing were leisure, enjoyment and visiting friends and relatives.
► The impact of transport disadvantage on well-being is greatest in regional areas.