Public Transport and Development of Regions - Preliminary Study; Significance of Public Transport in Development of Rural Areas

The purpose is to examine the relationship between the targets set for regional development and public transport subsidized by the society in rural areas. The preliminary study considers the significance of purchased transport services and the impacts which reducing of transport services have from the viewpoint of regional development. The preliminary study considers the development principles and targets of regional development based on legislation and the Governmental decisions, programs and reports. Public transport targets are mainly considered on the basis of legislation on the regulation of licensed passenger transport and purchased public transport services, public transport strategies and plans, as well as certain reports concerning regional equality and public transport. From the viewpoint of regional development, the main content of these is concentrated on three entities: (1) availability of basic services, (2) ensuring basic transport services, (3) support for regional development by means of public transport. The financing and services of public transport are clarified in certain example areas. As to the impacts of reduced financing, the study includes conclusions based both on information of example areas, the views of the representatives of the Provincial State Offices, and the experiences of the authors of the preliminary study. The conclusions consider: (1) targets of regional development, (2) financing of public transport in rural areas, (3) consequences of reduced financing, (4) issues related to public transport supply, and (5) development of the planning system for public transport in rural areas. Reduced financing means that the availability of basic transport services and regional coverage of public transport cannot be secured in rural areas. Reduced financing of public transport would cause uncontrolled growth of transport expenses in other sectors, especially of those in the school system. Reduced purchased transport services would probably impact on carrying out self-sufficient transport. Changes are significant for cost distribution between the Government and communities. This report is available at http://www.mintc.fi