The Privatisation of Transport: a Case-Study of Two Rural Villages

Dr. Amanda Root, University of Oxford, UK.

Abstract

Environmental problems are caused by people? desires for mobility via private cars. Cars, with low occupancy, use a high level of energy per person/kilometre in comparison to other modes of travel. Walking, cycling and public transport require less energy, but, with the exception of walking, are less popular.

This paper shows how energy use in rural personal travel is polarised: 25% of the households use 40% of the total energy, whilst another 25% use just 10% of the energy. The impact of this polarisation of energy use in transport is discussed in relation to environmental impact, higher levels of dissatisfaction with levels of car use by high energy users and perceived loss of opportunities for making friends caused by some types of car use.

These findings suggest that lifestyles are now largely based upon the opportunities arising out of the use of cars which is tantamount to the privatisation of transport (i.e. a reliance upon a household-based provision of the means of travel). Lifestyles determine high and low energy use, but are themselves constrained by cultural factors and infrastructural provision. Thus it is argued that policy implications can involve innovative approaches, but there success will depend largely upon factors - such as costs, in time and money, and the availability of alternatives - that facilitate some lifestyles and constrain others. The scope for change using existing services and provision are assessed, in terms of the needs generated by differing lifestyles of high and low energy using householders in the villages.