Transport Poverty Lab: Shedding light on mobility inequality

Transport poverty represents a systemic form of vulnerability that, unlike other types of social exclusion, still lacks proper institutional recognition. Yet its impact on daily life and socio-economic cohesion is substantial: it affects those who cannot afford a public transport pass, those living in areas where services are simply unavailable, and those forced to give up a job, an educational opportunity, or a medical appointment due to the lack of safe, affordable, and adequate mobility options.

According to the Final Report on Transport Poverty by the European Commission, the phenomenon is defined as the “inability or difficulty of individuals and households to afford the costs of private or public transport, or the lack of – or limited access to – transport services necessary to reach essential socio-economic services and activities,” taking into account the national and spatial context.

In Italy, 60% of families spend less than the national average on transport (€262 per month), and 21% of households at risk of poverty face unsustainable transport costs. This figure becomes even more significant considering that transport ranks as the third-largest household expenditure after housing (39%) and food (18%).

To address this issue in a systemic and structured way, the Transport Poverty Lab has been established. The initiative is promoted by the Foundation for Sustainable Development and the Transform Transport ETS Foundation, with support from Tper and Nordcom, and under the patronage of the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, and Cassa Depositi e Prestiti.

The Lab is conceived as a participatory platform, bringing together transport companies, public bodies, research institutes, trade associations, and sustainable mobility stakeholders. Its threefold mission is to bring the issue of transport poverty to the forefront of political and institutional agendas, build a robust data foundation, and develop public policies and practical tools to reduce exclusion caused by inadequate mobility.

Internationally, several countries are experimenting with demand-side measures aimed at reducing economic barriers to mobility access. While these initiatives show promise, they risk yielding limited or short-term results if not accompanied by strengthened public transport services and integrated governance frameworks. Key examples include:

Mobility Wallets: digital wallets for paying public transport, sharing services, and taxis, scaled to income (tested in Los Angeles, Brussels, and France);
Incentives for sustainable vehicles: enhanced subsidies for the purchase of electric cars and bikes for low-income households (Italy, Germany, California);
Discounted taxi and ride-hailing fares: targeted reductions for women, the elderly, and unemployed individuals (e.g., Trento);
Subsidized public transport: free or discounted passes, such as Italy’s Transport Bonus or the Solidarity Pricing model in France;
Demand-responsive transport (DRT): on-demand services with social tariffs for rural or underserved areas;
Incentivized carpooling: bonuses or discounted rates for low-income commuters (e.g., Karos project in France).