Development and evaluation of the Transport to Employment (T2E) service: Overcoming rransport barriers to job opportunities leading to more sustainable rural communities in highland Scotland

Abstract

We highlight the specific problem of lack of transport as a significant barrier to local job seekers finding work in rural areas with a focus on the Sutherland and Easter Ross area of Highland Scotland. The paper describes the Transport to Employment (T2E) scheme: a novel solution to overcoming transport barriers to job opportunities. Evaluation of the scheme has revealed an effective, reliable and popular transport service for job seekers in rural areas that produces an excellent return on investment for funding bodies, healthy economic benefits to individuals, employers and the State. The scheme also contributes to sustainable community development, by reductions in depopulation amongst young local job seekers.