Dorchester Transport Action Group welcomed new Dorchester Town Council councillor Poppy Farmer to their recent meeting.
‘The major problem is the cost and accessibility of travel. It’s just so expensive in rural areas. Young people don’t have expendable extra expenses. For a lot of them their income, if they are doing apprenticeships or work, just goes straight into travel. This definitely affects their mental health, they just don’t have anything left to enjoy themselves. I go to Poole three times a week and the return ticket is £12, so £36 a week, and that’s with a 16-25 rail card. For some young people doing apprenticeships they may have to take multiple buses to get to work or buses just don’t go there. So they face accessibility issues just trying to build their future.’
Poppy spoke about the challenges facing young people in and around Dorchester in terms of mobility for access to work, training, education and socialising. She pointed out that both the cost and time to get a driving test can force young people to look at other transport alternatives from using cars. There are widespread concerns about the safety of cycling and the cost and availability of public transport options.
Her thoughts provoked a lively discussion about what Dorchester Transport Action Group could do in practical terms to improve the access to greater mobility for younger people.