The impact of public transport strikes on sustainable transport in the UK

Introduction

In the examination of how public transport strikes impact sustainable transport in the United Kingdom, a critical perspective emerges through the lens of social justice. Drawing on the Mobility Justice framework, which advocates for equal access to transportation regardless of socioeconomic status (Haxhija et al, 2024). Therefore, we can better understand the consequences of these strikes on vulnerable groups and the overall goals of making the transport system more sustainable.

Sustainability Problem in the Context of Strikes

Sustainable transport is intricately tied to the reliability and accessibility of public transport systems. Although the UK government has made commendable efforts to promote sustainability transport, in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. However, the increasing frequency of public transport strikes poses challenges to these sustainability commitments.

A study investigating metro strikes in Barcelona shows a significant increase in pollution levels, with NOx and CO levels rising by 19.3% and 15.1% correspondingly (González et al, 2021). Similar trends were seen during train and bus strikes, suggesting that not only a disruption to immediate transport access but also broader impacts on urban air quality and public health.

From a social justice perspective, the impact of these strikes is unfairly borne by vulnerable groups. Such as the elderly, disabled, and low-income individuals. As these peoples are heavily rely on public transport (Haxhija et al, 2024). These disruptions increase mobility barriers for these population, and might limit their access to employment, education, and essential services.

Justice Implications of Public Transport Strikes

Reports indicate that these recurrent strikes not only erode public trust in the reliability of the transport system, but also drive commuters towards private vehicle usage (Gov.uk, 2023). This shift not only exacerbates environmental problems but also create economic challenges. For instance, 2.472 million working days were lost between June and December 2022 due to these strikes (King et al, 2023), highlighting the severity of the impact.

Furthermore, the consequences of these strikes perpetuate social inequalities, for those who rely heavily on public transport for their daily needs. This disparity highlights the urgent need to address the transportation accessibility issues for all members of society.

Additionally, public transport strikes raise fundamental questions about the rights of transport workers. These actions often caused by unsatisfied wages and working conditions, resulting disruptions have a ripple effect on the broader public. This highlighting the delicate balance between workers aims for improved working conditions and the public's right to accessible and reliable transport services.

Long-term Consequences and Solutions

To mitigate the impact of public transport strikes, it is urgent to develop a more resilient public transport system. This requires substantial investments in infrastructure, the enhancement of service reliability, and the assurance that public transport remains a preferred choice for all users. Moreover, it is also important to address the root causes of strikes. Such as underpayment of transport workers is crucial. By advocating for fair wages and improved working environments, the transport sector can enhance service quality and foster a more sustainable transport network.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the rising frequency of strikes on UK’s public transport poses significant obstacles to achieving sustainable transport commitment. From a social justice perspective, it becomes apparent that these strikes disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, exacerbate environmental concerns, and underscore the intricate interplay between worker rights and public access. To create a fairer and sustainable transport ecosystem, it must address the root causes of strikes and make sure all individuals have reliable public transport access.

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Reference:

Anon n.d. Gov.uk. [Online]. [Accessed 2 November 2024]. Available from: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/643825dc22ef3b000c66f1af/rail-strikes-understanding-the-impact-on-passengers-full-report.pdf.

González, L., Perdiguero, J. and Sanz, À. 2021. Impact of public transport strikes on traffic and pollution in the city of Barcelona. Transportation research. Part D, Transport and environment. 98(102952), p.102952.

Haxhija, S., Duran-Rodas, D., Larriva, M.T.B. and Wulfhorst, G. 2024. A Mobility Justice Framework to prioritize areas for mobility interventions. Research in transportation business & management. 56(101192), p.101192.

King, S., Crees, M., Ball, C. and Gabriadze, M. 2023. The impact of strikes in the UK - Office for National Statistics. Gov.uk. [Online]. [Accessed 2 November 2024]. Available from: https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/workplacedisputesandworkingconditions/articles/theimpactofstrikesintheuk/june2022tofebruary2023.