UK Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions Social Exclusion and the Provision and Availability of Public Transport Summary Report Chapter 2 Overview 1. The Functions of Public Transport 1. For the really deprived, in a neighbourhood where there is nothing , this is particularly important . Practical Buses serve a variety of functions, such as carrying parcels, particularly in rural areas. Social Public transport can be away of meeting people, and possibly different kinds of people.
Public transport is one place where the disadvantaged and the non-disadvantaged meet.
The social function also serves to benefit the health of users. This study found genuine gratitude to transport authorities for recognising their plight among those for whom new or improved services had been provided, particularly in rural areas where completely new life possibilities had sometimes been opened up. This social symbol is also perceived negatively, particularly by young people. The bus, particularly if it is also in the habit of driving past them at bus stops, seems to become symbolic of that society which rejects them and is regarded as fair game for vandalism or rowdyism. Antagonism between bus staff and groups of young people seems to be common.