Recommendations The quality of the research to date varies in quality, and further research with more rigorous designs is needed to improve the evidence base. Geographically the studies that exist are either city centric, particularly London, or nationwide. Further research on the impact of concessionary passes on health in rural areas is recommended, to account for the different circumstances that populations face when ageing in rural areas. Further research should investigate the contribution of community transport to health and well-being in Cornwall. As some of these services are also eligible for concessionary travel, there should be a study, in collaboration with the concessionary bus pass scheme, so that the economic and health impacts of the complete provision of transport services are understood. It would also be useful to investigate whether community transport is linked to health care savings in Cornwall e.g. transport has the potential to reduce social isolation and therefore spend poor mental health.
Recommendations The quality of the research to date varies in quality, and further research with more rigorous designs is needed to improve the evidence base. Geographically the studies that exist are either city centric, particularly London, or nationwide. Further research on the impact of concessionary passes on health in rural areas is recommended, to account for the different circumstances that populations face when ageing in rural areas. Further research should investigate the contribution of community transport to health and well-being in Cornwall. As some of these services are also eligible for concessionary travel, there should be a study, in collaboration with the concessionary bus pass scheme, so that the economic and health impacts of the complete provision of transport services are understood. It would also be useful to investigate whether community transport is linked to health care savings in Cornwall e.g. transport has the potential to reduce social isolation and therefore spend poor mental health.
concessionary-bus-passes-and-health-final.docx