Commuting-related transport poverty in Vienna - Identification and characterisation of vulnerable groups as well as their perceptions and coping strategies

Mobility is essential for participation in social and professional life. Rising energy and living costs due to inflation have had a significant impact on low-income households in particular, bringing the issue of transport poverty into the public spotlight. Transport poverty describes the difficulties and limitations people face due to inadequate or unaffordable mobility options. In addition to financial burdens, it can lead to social isolation, limited educational opportunities and limited employment prospects. While most studies focus on transport poverty in rural areas, this study looks at the impact on households in Vienna. The analysis focuses on the challenges of commuting as an unavoidable and difficult to change mode of transport. Following a review of the literature, a mixed methods approach is used to analyse the impacts, perceived constraints and coping strategies of households affected by transport poverty in Vienna. In a first step, quantitative data will be analysed to describe the distribution of transport poverty in the city. Three causes and the corresponding affected groups of individuals/occupations will be examined: 1) spatial causes, such as commuting patterns in Vienna that are difficult to manage using public transport; 2) temporal causes, including long commutes or difficulties in accessing transport at certain times (e.g. weekends, nights); and 3) personal causes, such as income, age, education level and migration background. These analyses aim to identify areas and demographic groups at higher risk of transport poverty in order to recruit approximately 25-30 participants for in-depth interviews. These interviews will explore the perceptions, everyday experiences and coping strategies of the groups concerned, using a partly narrative approach. The findings will be discussed in a results workshop with experts and practitioners to identify options for reducing transport poverty.