Stigma and Social Exclusion within the Public Transport System

A University of Otago staff perspective

Abstract

The public transport system throughout New Zealand has noticed a decrease in patronage. However, there has been an overwhelming desire to increase this patronage to reduce congestion throughout the cities and reduce motor
vehicle emissions and pollution. This research saught to further investigate the long-term issues plaguing the public  transport system that has resulted in this continuing decreasing patronage. Therefore, this research explored social exclusion and stigma that affects the public transport system within Dunedin and, possible strategic priorities that can aid in further developing a strategic plan to combat them. This stigma and social exclusion is a form of negative bias that has developed  towards public transport through a multitude of reasons. Moreover, with very little research on the effect of social exclusion on  public transport, this research will set the stage for further investigation into remediating these issues.  As there needs to be  more research into these long-term stigmas, this research not only explored social exclusion within a Dunedin-based area, but it also incorporated international research and survey results to develop these priorities towards the University of Otago staff. This research will allow for the development of a baseline that can be further built on, targeting  long-term issues that have been occurring and will continue to occur until more research continues to be developed.

Supervised by: Ray O'Brien & Craig Cliff, Sustainability Office, University of Otago
Scholarship funded by: Otago Regional Council