Equitable public transport in a hybrid working world

Foreword planning philosophy is thebelief that transport is morethan just a means of movement;it’s a bridge to opportunities, acatalyst for economic growth,and a cornerstone for buildinginclusive communities. Thisreport delves into the nuancedchallenges and opportunitiespresented by the rise of hybridworking models and theirimplications for public transport.movement—it’s about opportunity, connection, and inclusivity. As theGlobal Transport Consulting Leader at Arup, I’ve had the privilegeof witnessing and influencing the transformative power of transportsystems in shaping the destinies of cities and their inhabitants. pandemic, the world witnessedunprecedented shifts in workand lifestyle patterns. Whilethese shifts immediately broughtforth a plethora of challenges,they also illuminated thepotential for reimagining andreshaping our transport systemsto capitalise on the longer-term rise of hybrid working.championed the cause ofconnected and accessible cities,recognising that the true measureof a city’s greatness lies notjust in its infrastructure, butin its ability to offer equitableaccess to all its residents. As younavigate through the pages ofthis report, I invite you to joinus in envisioning a future wheretransport systems are plannednot just as infrastructure, but asa lifeline for every citydweller. Jonathan Kinghorn,Global Transport Consulting Leader, Arup The way we work has likely permanently changed During the 2021 Census, Adelaide and Perth existed in stable,near Covid-normal conditions, providing the opportunityto delve into the likely long-term future of workingfrom home through select analysis and case studies.Working from homeAdelaide The reported rate of working from home across Greater Adelaide and Perthapproximately doubled between the 2016 and 2021 census. 12% This change has not been even across societyBut this change has not been even across societyBut this change has not been even across societyBut this change has not been even across society Occupation type, income and relative social advantage allstrongly relate to the ability to work from home.Occupation type, income and relative social advantage all strongly relate to the ability to work from home.Occupation type, income and relative social advantage all strongly relate to the ability to work from home.Occupation type, income and relative social advantage all strongly relate to the ability to work from home. Income Higher income, more socially advantaged workers in white collaroccupations are far more likely to have the option of working from home.Higher income, more socially advantaged workers in white collaroccupations are far more likely to have the option of working from home.Higher income, more socially advantaged workers in white collaroccupations are far more likely to have the option of working from home. The quality of public transport is unevenlso uneven Accessibility to employment using public transport isPublic transport provides more access in socially advantaged areas Jobs accessible by Public Transportwithin peak period 45-minute journey often substantially better in socially advantaged areas. Work from home has impacted transport inequality Hybrid working has created another commuting option for thesocially advantaged, whilst the disadvantaged continue to becomparatively poorly served by public transport.AdelaidePerth to be employed in occupations that cannot bedone from home2. Our accessibility modellingshows they are also less likely to have the optionof using public transport to commute to work. Change is needed Forced car ownershipcomes at a high priceThe typical Australian household spends Public transport in growthareas delivers strong benefitsThe RMIT Centre for Urban Research A lack of accessentrenches inequalityA lack of access to transport options can estimated a financial benefit of $37Bstemming from $9B of investment inthe early delivery of public transport tooutlying residential growth areas5. 15% of their income on transportation, 94%of this going to operating private vehicles4.For low-income households, who are morelikely to have poor access to public transport,needing to own and operate multiple carscan create significant financial pressure. create a ‘poverty trap’3, where limitedaccess to employment, education, healthservices and social opportunities ultimatelyentrenches long term inequality. Recommendation 1Align vision and objectives early Guiding investment towards equitableoutcomes requires an early strategicfocus. The planning and appraisalprocesses for transport infrastructureand service investment ultimatelydetermines how investment is made.This process is highly path dependent.To achieve impactful outcomesinaddressing inclusiveness andinequality, a decision must be madeearly to focus in this area. Recommendation 2Value what matters Traditional appraisal methods can lock in avicious cycle of inequality. Changing howwe measure project impact to better captureequality