Abstract
The ACTIVATION research project explores whether shared transport provision can facilitate accessibility and improve wellbeing for residents of social housing and for older people. In theory, shared mobility can lower per-trip costs, increase transport options, and promote active modes. Research suggests this should lead to benefits in physical activity, access, and wellbeing, particularly for those without pre-existing access to good, affordable transport. There is, however, little evidence of these gains being achieved for disadvantaged populations. This presentation will introduce the ACTIVATION project and explore emerging results, particularly from two consecutive years of an annual survey of social housing residents, retirement village residents, and older adults in Christchurch. The 2021 baseline survey highlighted some particular access difficulties for residents of social housing. The 2022 survey is underway at present, so the results presented will be provisional and based on survey returns at the date of the symposium. The presentation will also explore the use of illustration to engage traditionally excluded groups in transport research.