Mobility poverty: the invisible barrier in our society

Mobility poverty is a growing problem in our society, with people struggling to reach important destinations due to limited transportation options. This phenomenon has far-reaching consequences for social participation, access to essential services, and overall quality of life.

What is mobility poverty?

Mobility poverty is defined as the inability or difficulty to reach locations of activity due to inadequate transportation options, combined with socio-economic and spatial planning factors. This can lead to:

- Limited access to employment and education
- Reduced social interaction
- Difficulty accessing healthcare and other essential services

Who is affected?

Certain groups in society are at higher risk of mobility poverty:

- People on low incomes
- Unemployed people and job seekers
- Older people, especially single women
- People without a driving license
- People with a migrant background
- Residents of rural areas
- People with disabilities

Focus on people with disabilities

People with disabilities deserve special attention in the context of mobility poverty. They face unique challenges:

- Physical limitations that hinder the use of regular transport
- Mental or cognitive limitations that complicate the planning and execution of journeys
- Reliance on special equipment and targeted transport

While targeted transport offers a solution, it does not solve all the problems and can lead to reduced independence and social integration.

Innovative solutions from Virtual OV

Virtual OV offers innovative technological solutions to address mobility poverty:

• Virtual Practice Environment: Provides a safe space for people with invisible disabilities to practice using public transport.
• Increasing Self-Reliance: Helps develop essential skills for independent travel.
• Stress reduction: Reduce anxiety and stress by practicing potential public transport scenarios beforehand.
• Social inclusion: Promotes participation in society by increasing mobility options.
• Cognitive development: Stimulates important skills such as planning and problem-solving.
• Improve accessibility: Make public transport more mentally accessible for neurodivergent travellers.
• Raising awareness: Increase understanding of the challenges faced by travelers with invisible disabilities.

Vision for the Future: Mobility for All.

Virtual OV strives for more than just transportation solutions. Our mission encompasses:

- Full social participation for all citizens
- Independence and freedom of choice in mobility
- Technological innovations that push boundaries and promote inclusivity.

Mobility poverty is a complex issue that touches upon the core of social inclusion and equality. Virtual OV is committed to providing innovative solutions that give all citizens, regardless of their background or disabilities, the freedom and opportunities to fully participate in society.