Youth Travel Toolkit to address young people's challenges

Earlier this year, Oxfordshire Community Rail Partnership (OxCRP) released its Insight and Impact Report.

The report was based on youth-led research and engagement initiatives aimed at making transport accessible for all.

An engagement event held by Oxfordshire Community Rail Partnership to understand the transport challenges young people face (Image: OxCRP) An engagement event held by Oxfordshire Community Rail Partnership to understand young people's concerns around transport (Image: OxCRP) The study found 78 per cent of young people were concerned about safety while travelling, with this being a particular issue for females, transgender individuals, and black and brown youngsters.

The report's findings and perspectives have led to the creation of the Youth Travel Toolkit.

This resource is specifically designed for local businesses and organisations, helping them to address the transport challenges faced by young people while supporting the county’s broader economic and sustainability goals.

David Owen, director of economy and environment at Gloucestershire County Council, said: "We’re seeing a critical shift in transport needs driven by changing behaviours and environmental concerns.

An engagement event held by Oxfordshire Community Rail Partnership to understand young people's concerns around transport (Image: OxCRP) "Accessible and reliable transport options are becoming increasingly important for young people in particular."

The toolkit also provides information for businesses seeking to engage with younger audiences and attract new customers.

It offers guidance on how to adapt to changing behaviours and capitalise on the sizable youth market.

Hannah McDonnell, executive director of OxCRP, said: "The Insight and Impact Report, combined with the Youth Travel Toolkit, demonstrates how youth-led, co-created initiatives can transform travel and connectivity into a catalyst for inclusion, wellbeing, and opportunity."