What Is Transport Poverty?
Transport poverty arises when people are hindered in their daily activities, such as working, studying, or caregiving, due to a lack of financial means or transport options. This can have various causes, including:
- High Transport Costs: Consider the following situations:
- Not everyone owns a vehicle, or the vehicle must be shared within the family.
- Not everyone can afford to prepay for private transport.
- Repair or replacement costs for vehicles are difficult or impossible to manage.
- Public transport is not a feasible alternative or cannot be prepaid.
- Lack of Infrastructure:
- In some regions, public transport is limited or poorly available.
- Physical or Mental Limitations:
- People with disabilities often have less access to suitable transport.
As an employer, it is crucial to understand that transport poverty often remains invisible. Employees may hesitate to indicate difficulties in getting to work for fear of stigmatization. Passing judgment does not contribute to a solution.
How to Recognize Transport Poverty Among Employees
There are several signs that may indicate transport poverty:
- Frequent Absenteeism:
- Employees call in sick more often due to stress or fatigue caused by long, complicated, or expensive commutes. A peak in absenteeism just before payday can be a clue.
- Punctuality Issues:
- Employees frequently arrive late due to unreliable transport or an over-reliance on others for their mobility.
- Limited Mobility:
- Employees avoid certain tasks or appointments that require travel.
Engaging in conversations with your employees and making mobility a topic of discussion can help you identify whether transport poverty is an issue and determine potential solutions.
What Can Employers Do?
There are several ways in which employers can help reduce transport poverty:
1. Introduce a Mobility Budget
Provide employees with a flexible mobility budget that allows them to choose how they travel. This can be used for public transport, bike leasing, bike subscriptions, carpooling, or shared mobility. Flexibility gives employees more options to select a solution that suits their situation.
2. Promote Cycling and Walking
Invest in cycling facilities such as secure bike parking, showers, and changing rooms. Subsidize a bike scheme and organize cycling lessons and traffic safety workshops. This is not only sustainable but also healthy for your employees.
3. Collaborate with Local Transport Services
Partner with regional transport providers to improve connections. For example, set up a shuttle service to and from work, especially in areas where public transport is scarce.
4. Facilitate Remote and Hybrid Work
By giving employees the option to work (partly) from home, you can reduce transport pressure. For many, this can be a direct solution for days when transport poverty is an issue.
5. Make Transport Poverty a Discussable Topic
Create an open culture where employees can share their transport challenges without shame. For example, organize surveys or workshops to gain insight into their needs.
A Complex Problem
Transport poverty is a complex problem, but employers can play a significant role in the solution. By making mobility central to HR policies and investing in sustainable and inclusive solutions, you not only contribute to the well-being of your employees but also strengthen your organization's effectiveness.
Do you recognize these challenges within your company? Take the time to understand and explore mobility and transport poverty without judgment. Work together to find relieving solutions and contribute to an accessible transport system for everyone.