Spatial mobility and social change: the mobile and the immobile

Monitoring rural travel behaviour: a longitudinal study in Northern Ireland 1979–2001

“…In discussing the changes in rural Antrim between 1979 and 1989, an earlier study (Nutley and Thomas, 1995) concluded that this time period had witnessed changes sharp enough to mark a transition from an older Ôtradi-tionalÕ pattern to a new ÔmodernÕ one, or perhaps from an ÔIrishÕ pattern to a ÔBritishÕ or ÔEuropeanÕ one. While this study area had attained a high (73%) car ownership rate as early as 1979, behavioural changes associated with this became evident in the subsequent decade, primarily longer travel distances, more commuting to towns, the diversification of the rural employment structure, the shift up the urban hierarchy for services previously obtained locally, and the abrupt reduction in public transport use.…”

“…Perceptions of distance were exaggerated beyond 40 km. Change, in rural Antrim between 1979 and 1989, was the focus of another study (Nutley and Thomas, 1995). This concluded that the 1980s decade had marked fundamental changes in mobility and travel patterns from traditional to modern-much later than the rest of the UK-with almost all journey purposes being sought in larger urban centres at greater distances.…”

Why Public Bus is a Less Attractive Mode of Transport: A Case Study of Putrajaya, Malaysia

“…Furthermore, in addition to not being able to cater for individual destinations, buses are also associated with delays and its service may not be available when needed. This has resulted in lack of trust in public transport and discouraged people from using them (Nutley and Thomas, 1995). On the other hand, private cars could meet commuters' demand in terms of travelling as well as providing ample space for baggage; they are also child-friendly.…”

The impact of the minimum driver licensing age on mobility in New Zealand

“…In many developed nations, economic forces causing the decline of smallscale local services and the withdrawal of public transport services have exacerbated the isolation of rural areas (Nutley and Thomas, 1995). Higher car ownership in rural areas is brought about more through need than wealth.…”