connecting cultures

2

“ We think of transportation as a movement of thing s-masses of

any sort-from one place to another” The Theory of Transportation, by Charles H. Cooley © 1894 American Economic

Association.

3

Contents Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations………………………………………… …..4 1. Introduction………………………………………………………………………… 5 2. Travel and Transport in Aberdeenshire…………………………… ………….5

a) Roads…………………………………………………………………… 7 b) Rail……………………………………………………………………….8 c) Maritime………………………………………………………………… 9 d) Air /Airport……………………………………………………………… 9

3. Migration and Aberdeenshire…………………………………………………… 9 4. Equality and Transport………………………………………………………….10 5. Background Information………………………………………………………..11 6. Research Design………………………………………………………………… 11

a) Research Question…………………………………………………….11 b) Target Population……………………………………………………...11 c) Sampling………………………………………………………………..11 d) Methodology……………………………………………………………12

‘Focus Group’…………………………………………………………..12 ‘ESOL Classes’………………………………………………………...12 e) Participants Profile…………………………………………………….12

• Geographical Location………………………………………..12 • Ethnic or National Origin………………………………………12

f) Focus Groups…………………………………………………………..12 g) ESOL Classes………………………………………………………….12 h) Combined Ethnic or National Origin of Participants………………..13

7. Results……………………………………………………………………………..14 8. Discussion…………………………………………………………………… ……28 9. Conclusion………………………………………………………………………...32 10. References………………………………………………………………………...33

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Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations GREC - Grampian Racial Equality Council GREC is the lead organisation in the voluntary sector responsible for race equality matters in the North East of Scotland. GREC’s mission states‘GREC is working with others to ensure that everyone is valued for who they are and is able to contribute with encouragement and without fear of discrimination or unfair treatment.’

Nestrans – North East of Scotland Transport Partner ship

Nestrans is the Transport Partnership for Aberdeen City and Shire. Its purpose is to develop and deliver a long-term regional transport strategy and take forward strategic transport improvements that support and improve the economy, environment and quality of life across Aberdeen City and Shire.

SAREC - Scottish Alliance of Regional Equality Coun cils SAREC is a national, strategic body set up to support the work of Scotland’s Racial / Regional Equality Council’s (REC’s) to be key players in the development and delivery of equality and human rights across Scotland and fight against discrimination. ESOL – English as a Second or Other Language EAL – English as an Additional Language ACC – Aberdeen City Council SG – Scottish Government SE – Scottish Executive WPR – Western Peripheral Route NCNR – National Cycle Network Route 1 NTS – National Transport Strategy North Sea Cycle Circuit (NSCC) National Insurance Numbers (NINO) Worker Registration Scheme (WRS)

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1. Introduction The Scottish National Transport Strategy (NTS) was published in December 2006. The NTS was produced following a wide consultation with key stakeholders for example business, transport, wider interests and the general public. The NTS introduces three key strategic outcomes which support the purpose of government and responds directly to the 5 strategic objectives:

• Improve journey times and connections between our towns and cities and our global markets to tackle congestion and provide access to key markets. (Wealthier and Fairer, Safer and Stronger, Greener)

• Reduce emissions to tackle climate change (Safer and Stronger, Wealthier and Fairer, Greener)

• Improve quality, accessibility and affordability of transport, to give people the choice of public transport real alternatives to the car (Greener, Healthier and Smarter)

The summary version of Scotland’s National Transport Strategy explains that an efficient and effective transport system is essential to the sustainability of our economy, communities, environment, health and general well-being. We are travelling more than we have ever done before. As our economy, society, populations and lifestyles change we require a transport network that is responsive to change. These differences have led to changes in the journeys we make and the way in which we make them, for example there is increased reliance on the car for daily travel to and from work and greater use of air travel for both business and vacation. The increased reliance on the car has seen a decline in other forms of transport such as cycling or walking. Transport is important to us all, it gets us to school, work, to shops, friends and it helps with leisure or tourist activity. The NTS also shows us it is integral to a thriving economy. Therefore the importance of having a reliable and efficient transport system whether that is bus, train, aeroplane or boat is paramount. The road infrastructure must also be fit for purpose given the increased reliance on the car. 2. Travel and Transport in Aberdeenshire The rural geography of Aberdeenshire poses significant challenges to planners when designing an efficient and effective transport system. The transportation network operates on our roads, rail, air and seas. Each has differing concerns when addressing their specific interests. This is detailed in the table below:

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Network Variable

Air Road Rail Maritime /Sea

Mode of transport

Aeroplanes

Buses

Trains Ferries

Helicopters Cars Supply Vessels

Lorries Marine surveillance

Cycling Walking Cars Concerns Business

travel Road

Infrastructure Rail

Infrastructure Business

travel Tourist &

leisure travel

Road conditions &

suitability

Rail conditions &

suitability

Tourist & leisure travel

Economic decline

Timetables & accessibility

Timetables & accessibility

Freight level

Ecological concerns

Freight level Business travel

Economic decline

Equality & other

legislative demands

Cycle routes Tourist & leisure travel

Ecological concerns

Business travel

Economic decline

Connecting to NCT

Tourist & leisure travel

Ecological concerns

Equality & other

legislative demands

Economic decline

Connecting to NCT

Ecological concerns

Equality & other

legislative demands

Equality & other

legislative demands

Business travel

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a) Roads

The main trunk road linking the north east to central Scotland and the rest of the UK is the A90. The A90 currently goes through Aberdeen and acts as a local distributor as well as the main strategic route connecting the north and west region. It is hoped the problems of congestion in the region will be addressed by the Western Peripheral Route (WPR, See glossary of terms). The other major trunk road serving the region is the A96, which connects the north east to Inverness and the Highlands.

• There are 132 miles (211 kilometres) of trunk roads in the north east, representing 3% of the road length but carrying 28% of all traffic.

• There are 470 miles (745 Kilometres) of A class local roads in the area carry 27% of all traffic.

• The remaining 45% of traffic uses the region’s 4,000 miles (5,500 kilometres) of minor roads. (Nestrans)

I. Car use

• Settlements within the north east are relatively widely dispersed and incomes are generally high. This leads to car ownership and use being high reflecting dispersed land use patterns for employment and housing, pointing to a high level of dependency on the car for mobility. (Nestrans)

The Scottish Household 2007 survey offers: • Car ownership in the north east is higher than the national average of 66%

of households and the rate of increase is slightly higher than the Scottish national average.

• In Aberdeenshire car ownership is 21% greater than comparable rural areas.

• The 2001 census showed that over 20% of households in Aberdeenshire don’t have access to cars.

• 57% of Aberdeenshire residents use a car everyday compared to 48% as a national average (Scotland)

• The proportion of journeys to work by car drivers has risen steadily since 1999 from 60% to 65% in 2006.

(http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/08/07100738/10) II. Bus Services The north east is served by several bus operators but the majority are operated by First Aberdeen or Stagecoach Bluebird. Although First Bus operates within

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Aberdeen City it offers a dedicated service to the local Airport at Dyce which may be utilised by Aberdeenshire residents when using the airport services. Many local bus services within Aberdeenshire operate under contract with financial support from Aberdeenshire Council. • The numbers of people travelling to work by bus has dropped relative to

the national average (whilst car use had increased). 5% travelled to work by bus compared to 7% in rural areas generally.

• In both Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire the proportion of residents using buses more than twice a week was below the corresponding urban and rural averages – especially so in Aberdeenshire.

• Only 10% of Aberdeenshire residents live within 6 minutes walk to a bus stop (compared to 79% of Aberdeen City residents) and a service frequency of at least 3 buses per hour, compared to 15% in rural areas on average.

III. Freight

The north east continues to have a manufacturing base which requires efficiency of freigh both outwards for fresh foods including fish and finished goods and inwards for raw materials and semi-finished goods. The region also imports goods for wholesale and retail sales. The forestry industry also relies on a good road network to enable movements of timber.

• Around 80% of freight is moved by road, 18% goes through the region’s ports.

• 15.6 million tonnes of freight is moved within the north east. IV. Cycle Routes

National Cycle Network Route 1 (NCNR) runs through the north east, which links Stonehaven, Aberdeen, Turriff and Banff, and forms part of the North Sea Cycle Circuit. Former railway lines have also been utilised in the creation of Formartine and the Buchan Way and the Deeside Cycle Way. A number of on-street cycle lines have been introduced throughout the region. • Levels of cycling to work were similar in all areas at between 1% - 2%,

despite cycle ownership being relatively high. • In 2005/06 3% of Aberdeenshire residents cycled to work whereas 6%

cycled for pleasure or to keep fit.

b) Rail The rail network in the north east is relatively limited. There are seven stations at Huntly, Insch, Inverurie, Dyce, Aberdeen, Portlethen and Stonehaven. First Rail

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provide 42 services per day to and from the region, Cross Country provide services direct to and from Penzance and there are three National Express services daily to London via the east coast mainline.

c) Maritime Aberdeen and Peterhead are the principal sea ports within the north east. Aberdeen harbour handled over 5 million tonnes of cargo in 2006 with an estimated value of £100 million per year into the local economy. Aberdeen is the port for freight and passenger ferries to Orkney and Shetland as well as various European destinations. A number of smaller ports operate along the coastline of the region with the largest being in Fraserburgh and Macduff. The NCNR 1 forms part of the North Sea Cycle Circuit (NSCC) connecting cyclists to Europe and Orkney and Shetland. Passenger interchange with rail and bus services is an important issue for foot and cycle passengers.

d) Air /Airport Aberdeen Airport is 7 miles from the city centre and handles 3 million passengers per year and serves 38 different destinations in the UK and Europe-wide.

• Over the past 3 years new routes have been introduced and Aberdeen has experienced the fastest passenger growth of all Scottish airports.

• The airport serves a wide range of surface connections, over 90% of all those travelling to or from the airport currently do so by car or taxi.

• The airport also serves the world’s busiest heliport handling over 35,000 helicopter movements every year, the majority serving the off-shore oil and gas industry, which is a key sector of the economy.

3. Migration and Aberdeenshire It has been evident through National Insurance Numbers (NINO) under the Worker Registration Scheme (WRS) that there has been a steady increase of migrants moving into Aberdeenshire in recent years from the new EU Accession States (A8). The table below shows the NINO Registrations by country (European) of origin, 2007/08. It should be noted that this is purely for people who work and will not cover those who are not in employment for example spouses, partners, older people and children and young people. A briefing paper produced by Aberdeen City Council notes that the percentage of migrants of working age in Aberdeenshire is 1.1% ranked 12th across Scotland. In addition the paper notes that the actual number of migrants working in Aberdeenshire is

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1,760, ranked 7th across Scotland. Aberdeen City is ranked 3rd with 5,700 migrant workers.

Country of Origin Number Poland 800 Lithuania 230 Latvia 240 Romania 40 Bulgaria 50 Slovak Republic 30 Czech Republic 30 Hungary 20 Russia 10 France 20 Spain 10 Portugal 20 Ireland 10 Germany 30 Netherlands 20

Total 1560 4. Equality and Transport Equality is about making sure people are treated fairly and given fair chances. Equality is not about treating everyone in the same way, but it recognises that their needs are met, respecting their particular differences, in different ways. From a service delivery perspective, mechanisms should be put in place to enable everyone to have equal access to services. For example provision of translated material for non-English speakers or easy access to different types of transport and buildings such as train or bus stations for wheelchair users. Equality focuses on those areas covered by the law, namely the key areas of race, gender, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation and age. In addition to the legislation which seeks to prevent discrimination in all these areas, we have a public duty to promote equality and remove discrimination in respect of race, gender and disability. Nestrans published an Equality Scheme in December 2007 in response to their statutory duty to promote equality and eliminate discrimination. The scheme sets out the general and specific duties placed upon them through The Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000, The Disability Discrimination Act 2005 and The Equality Act 2006. Since Nestrans is the regional transport partnership in the North East of Scotland the Equalities Scheme is in line with both City and Shire Council equality policies. (At the time of writing this Scheme is currently under review for an updated version).

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5. Background Information SAREC funding was granted to carry out research into travel and transport for minority ethnic communities living in Aberdeenshire. The budget for the research was provided through SAREC from the Scottish Governement Race, Religion and Refugee Integration Fund, with additional funding provided by Aberdeen City Council’s Guildry Awards Scheme covering most of the Development Worker’s hours. The original timescale of the project was between October 2007 and February 2008. However, after changes to the targeted groups and an increase from 3 groups to 4 it was decided to push the deadline back to mid-April. The four groups met between 15th March 2008 and 19th April 2008. Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council and Nestrans websites were consulted to source current issues. Documentation produced by these organisations, in relation to minority ethnic communities, was also studied to ascertain additional areas of focus. 6. Research Design i) Research Question Following discussion between GREC and the Policy Officer at Aberdeenshire Council, it was felt that an investigation into minority ethnic communities’ experiences of travel and transport within and outwith the North East of Scotland would be actioned. It was agreed that such an investigation would also fit with Nestrans’ Equalities Scheme. j) Target Population The group in Aberdeenshire, Eastern Europeans, was developed after discussions with Aberdeenshire Council. It was agreed that this group and their experience of the transport system in Aberdeenshire, particularly in relation to employment, would be beneficial. Nestrans was also consulted on the research and assisted in the design of the questionnaire and specific questions they wished answered. k) Sampling Sampling of participants was through GREC contacts.

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l) Methodology A questionnaire was designed in consultation with project partners and translated into the key community languages of Polish, Latvian and Lithuanian. A total of 30 questionnaires were distributed via the two different methods: I ‘Focus Group’ A ‘focus group’ was held in Dalrymple Hall, Fraserburgh on 15th March 2008, allowing for greater interaction between the participants, facilitators and GREC staff. This was particularly important since interpreters were present to clarify any aspects of the research or questionnaire that were unclear to the participants. It also offered an opportunity for participants to discuss points and share opinions. There were 2 GREC staff members, 2 representatives from Aberdeenshire Council and 1 interpreter present. 7 questionnaires were completed at the focus group, no additional discussion took place. II ‘ESOL Classes’ Following the focus groups and since the number of attendees was very low the remaining 23 questionnaires were distributed through ESOL classes by the attending representatives from Aberdeenshire Council. We received a further 11 completed questionnaires by post by the end of April 2008. Gift vouchers and travel costs were offered as an incentive to participate and as a form of thanks for their assistance. m) Participants Profile I Geographical Location The majority of participants were from the Fraserburgh area. Some participants came from across the North Aberdeenshire area . The main postcode areas were AB43 (Fraserburgh) and AB45 (Banff). II Ethnic or National Origin

• Focus Groups

Table Showing Ethnic or National Origin of Focus Group Participants

13

Ethnic /National Origin Number Polish 4 Russian 1 Latvian 3

Total 8

• ESOL Classes All of the 11 questionnaire respondents, distributed through ESOL classes, were Polish.

• Combined Ethnic or National Origin of Participants

The chart below shows the combined ethnic or national origin of all participants. The majority of participants were Polish (n=15, 83%)

Chart Showing the Ethnic or National Origin of All Participants

0 2 4 6 8

10 12 14 16

1 Ethnic /National Origin

Number of Respondents

Russian Polish Latvian

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7. Results 1. The Transport System a) How does the transport system in the region comp are to other

places where you have lived?

Response* Number Yes 12 No 5 NR 1

Total 18 There is some concern over whether the respondents fully understood the question since the responses read as though they thought the question asked ‘Does the transport system in the region compare to other places where you have lived?’ Some respondents made additional comments; “Not very good, I had more connections from my previous flat.” “Worse than in my previous city.” “Buses work ok. it's no problem to go to different cities.” “Transport works ok. Bus routes are well developed. Trains Fraserburgh - Peterhead is not possible.” “I've never lived in other places. I've lived just in Aberdeenshire.”

b) Do you think that the transport system in Aberde enshire makes the area an attractive place to live, work, visit and d o business?

Generally the comments were positive with constructive feedback noting there can be difficulty travelling between towns such Fraserburgh and Peterhead: “…Trains (between) Fraserburgh - Peterhead is not possible..” 7 respondents said they felt the transport system in Aberdeenshire makes the area an attractive place to live, work, visit or do business with 6 making additional positive comments, see below: “Super” , “Good” (x2), “Alright” , “Yes, Ok”

15

“Transport works ok. Bus routes are well developed.” 3 Respondents gave negative feedback, indicating they did not feel that the transportation system in Aberdeenshire makes the area an attractive place to live, work, visit or do business. The comments are noted below: “Awful.” “Not very good, I had more connections from my previous flat.” “I think worse.” 3 respondents said ‘Don’t Know’ and 4 gave no response. 2. Roads a) Do you experience any difficulties driving in Ab erdeenshire; this

includes understanding the road signs, differences in driving methods etc.?

13 respondents said they have no difficulties driving in Aberdeenshire and 1 respondent said they didn’t have a driving licence and another gave no response. 3 said they had experienced difficulties, 2 of whom offered further explanation: “Park(ing) on the road is dangerous, should be more car bays.” “Not enough parking spaces cause too many cars parked on the streets and visibility is limited that make fluent drive difficult.” b) Are you aware of the proposal to build a new roa d around the city,

called the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (WPR)? 13 were unaware of the proposed Western Peripheral Route and 4 indicated that they had heard about it. 1 person did not respond. c) If yes, will it benefit you in anyway?

Of the 4 who indicated an awareness of the WPR, 2 made additional comments:

“Good.” “Maybe in the future.”

d) Do you have any experience of a road accident in Aberdeenshire?

16

16 had no experience of a road accident in Aberdeenshire. 1 did not respond. 1 respondent did have experience of a road accident. e) If yes, how were you dealt with?

The only respondent to have experience of a road accident offered the following comment:

“Insurance company, working was all right, no polish interpreter.”

f) Is enough being done to reduce road accidents, t his includes

publicity and raising road safety awareness? 10 respondents felt that enough was being done to reduce the number of road accidents in Aberdeenshire. Of the 10, 1 respondent made the following additional comment: “Yes, I like the Peterhead radio because it gives information about traffic, road conditions, weather.” 6 said they did not feel enough was being done. One additional comment was made: “Not enough crossing marks.” 2 did not respond. 3. Public Transport a) Do you feel that there are sufficient incentives to use public

transport instead of the car? 13 did not feel there were enough incentives to use public transport instead of a car. 4 felt that there were enough incentives. 1 did not respond. b) Do you feel encouraged to use public transport? 7 felt that they were encouraged to use public transport but 10 did not feel encouraged. 1 did not respond. c) What would encourage you to use public transport more often, in

particular when travelling to and from work (e.g. l ower fares, faster services, more reliability)?

The price was the most important factor regarding the respondent participants’ decision whether or not to use public transport, with 12 indicating lower prices

17

would encourage them to use it more and travel more widely. The second most popular consideration was reliability with 4 of the above 12 respondents stating this. The third consideration was to have faster services with 2 of the 12 respondents offering this as an opinion. 4 did not answer this question correctly so they were noted as ‘No response’ together with the other 2 who did not answer at all. d) Do you think that travelling by bus or train is good value for money? 15 said they did not feel that travelling by bus or train was value for money with one of the 15 indicating that ‘it could be better’. 2 respondents felt that it was good value for money and one respondent did not answer. e) Are you aware of websites and telephone helpline s to help plan

journeys or buy tickets? 10 respondents were aware of websites and telephone helplines to plan journeys and buy tickets. 7 were unaware of these options and offered no further comments. 1 did not answer this question. f) If yes, how easy to use are they? Of the 10 (above) 6 respondents noted additional comments, 2 of which indicated some potential language issues, 2 respondents said it was problematic and 2 respondents were complimentary: “Easy if you have a help with English.” “Quite hard.” “With no problem.” “Quite ok.” “Introduce more information in Russian or Latvian languages.” “I use Megabus, but it's hard to print the tickets.” g) Have you ever used community transport services (i.e. community

minibuses, support for visiting the hospital etc.)? 9 respondents noted that they had not used community transport. 8 had used community transport but these 8 did not explain the type of community transport of which they had experience. 1 did not answer this question.

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h) If yes, what is your opinion of these services? Of the 8, 3 made the following additional comments but again did not offer insight into the type of community transport to which they were referring: “Very good.” “On time.” “Fast, on time.” 4. The Environment a) Are you aware of information about reducing carbon emissions from

transport and promoting walking, cycling and use of public transport?

Response Number Yes 4 No 7 NR 7

Total 18 b) Is this information easy to understand?

Response Number Yes 5 No 4 NR 9

Total 18 c) Have these initiatives encouraged you to change your travel behaviour?

Response Number Yes 2 No 7 NR 9

Total 18 d) Have you felt any impact on your health or quality of life from the current

transport system in Aberdeenshire?

Response Number Yes 0 Don’t Know 1 No 10

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NR 7 Total 18

e) Are you aware of any incentives to car share?

Response Number Yes 4 No 5 NR 9

Total 18 f) Do you use cycling routes?

Response Number Yes 6 No 10 NR 2

Total 18 g) If yes, are they accessible and easy to use?

Of the 6 respondents who said yes to (f) 4 offered additional comments: “It's not possible because no cycling routes and ride a bike on the streets is too dangerous.” “Could be better.” “With my opinion, isn't to many cycling routes.” “Not enough cycling routes.” 1 respondent who said they did not use cycle routes offered the following explanation: “I have 3 children and is better to go by car.”

h) Are pavements and footpaths of an acceptable standard?

Response Number Yes 12 No 5 NR 1

Total 18

“They are too narrow.”

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5. Transport and Work a) How long does it take you to travel to work?

Chart Showing the Length of Travel Time to Work

00.5

11.5

22.5

33.5

44.5

1

Length of Time in Minutes

Num

ber

of R

espo

nden

ts 2

4

7

10

15

30

60

NR

Don't Know

The chart above shows that the majority of respondents (n=10) spend 15 minutes or less travelling to work. 3 respondent noted their travel time is up to 30 minutes and 1 respondent indicated that it takes them one hour. 3 respondents did not answer and another noted ‘don’t know’.

b) How do you travel to work (walk, bus, car, cycle , train)?

The most popular method of travel to work is by car (n=7) followed closely by 6 respondents indicating that they walk to work. Only 1 respondent indicated that they use a mode of public transport to travel to work, for example the bus. 4 respondents did not answer this question.

c) Do you work in the same area in which you live?

6 respondents said that they worked in the area that they live and the same number (n=6) said they did not work in the same area that they reside. 6 did not respond to this question.

d) If not, would you like to be able to work in the same area that you live?

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Of the 6 respondents who said they did not reside in the same area that they worked 3 responded to this question with the following qualitative responses: “Don’t want to.” “Yes would like to.” “Yes, of course.”

e) Is travelling to work a factor you took into con sideration when

accepting the job?

Response Number Yes 5 No 6 NR 7

Total 18 The table above shows that 5 respondents said that travelling to work is a factor for consideration when accepting employment. 6 indicated it is not a consideration but 7 respondents did not provide an answer.

6. Transport Providers a) Have you encountered any problems using buses or taxis in

Aberdeenshire?

Response Number Yes 2 No 11 NR 5

Total 18 A 61% majority (n=11) of the sample population indicated that they had never experienced problems when using buses or taxis in Aberdeenshire. 2 respondents indicated that they had encountered some problems and 5 did not respond.

b) Have you ever experienced any problems with staf f of transport

providers because of language difficulties or your ethnic background?

Response Number Yes 4* No 12 NR 2

22

Total 18

The majority of respondents (n=12) had never experienced problems with staff of public transport because of language difficulties or because of their ethnic background. However 4 respondents indicated that they had experienced problems. 2 respondents chose not to answer.

c) Have you ever experienced any problems with othe r users of public

transport because of language difficulties or your ethnic background? Only 1 respondent answered this question indicating that the problem they experienced when on a bus with other users of public transport was due to language difficulties. 17 respondents did not provide an answer.

d) How safe do you feel using public transport?

Only 3 respondents answered this question correctly, offering: “Quite safe.” “Yes I feel safe.” “I feel good.” The majority of respondents appeared to answer this question incorrectly, which may be a result of the material translated back into English from various European languages. Therefore on the strength of the majority of responses it was necessary to tailor the results provided to extrapolate reliable and valid responses. It appeared unequivocally that 3 respondents were reading the question to ask ‘Do you feel safe using public transport’. And answered in the affirmative (Yes).

e) Have you ever been consulted on your views relat ing to transport? Response Number Yes 5 No 7 Don’t use public transport 1 NR 5

Total 18 The table above shows that 7 respondents indicated that they have been consulted on their views relating to transport. 5 respondents indicated that they have never been consulted on their views relating to transport and 1 indicated that they do not use public transport.

23

5 respondents offered no feedback to this question.

f) If yes, how easy was it to understand the inform ation provided and questions that were asked? Only 3 out of the 18 respondents provided feedback to this question regarding the comprehension of material provided and questions asked, offering the following comments: “Shortage of translations.” “I don’t know.” “Need more Russian and other languages.”

g) Is material provided by transport providers acce ssible and easy to

understand (this includes promotional material, tim etables and bus stop information)?

Response Number Yes 1 No 12 NR 5

Total 18

The majority of respondents (n=12, 66%) felt that information provided by transport providers was easy to understand. Only 1 respondent felt that the material provided by transport providers was accessible and easy to understand. 5 people did not offer any response to this question.

h) Have you ever asked for information about transp ort to be provided

in your native language?

Response Number Yes 7 No 5 NR 4 Don’t know 2

Total 18

The table above shows that less than half of the respondents asked for information about transport to be provided in their native language (n=7) whereas 5 did not and 4 did not answer this question.

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i) Who did you ask and was this information provide d?

Of the 4 who said that they had asked for information in their native language none of the respondents offered insight into who they asked to obtain the material but all confirmed that it was indeed provided. No additional information into the type of material was offered.*

j) Do you feel that providers of public transport i n Aberdeenshire promote equality?

Response Number Yes 6 No 7 NR 3 Don’t know 2

Total 18

6 respondents felt that providers of transport in Aberdeenshire promote equality but 7 respondents felt that they do not. 3 did not respond and 2 said they did not know.

k) If no, do you have any suggestions on how they c ould do this?

Of the 7 respondents who said they felt providers of transport in Aberdeenshire promote equality none offered any suggestions of how this could be achieved.

l) Have you ever worked for a transport provider in Aberdeenshire?

Response Number Yes 3 No 2 NR 11 Don’t know 3

Total 18

3 respondents indicated that they had worked for a transport provider in Aberdeenshire.

m) If yes, how did you find the job?

Of the 3 respondents who had noted they had worked for a transport provider in Aberdeenshire non offered any information regarding how they found the job.* (note of ambiguity – how did you get the job or did you enjoy the job)

25

n) Have any recent changes to transport had a posit ive or negative effect on yourself because of language differences or your ethnic background?

Only 2 respondents answered this question by indicating they had not been aware of any recent changes to transportation in Aberdeenshire: “What changes?” “I don’t know of any changes.”

7. Travelling Outwith Aberdeenshire a) Do you feel that Aberdeenshire has good air, rai l and sea links with

the rest of the UK?

Response Number Yes 6 No 4 NR 8

Total 18

6 respondents felt that there were good air, rail and sea links from Aberdeen to the rest of the UK. Of the 6 none volunteered additional information regarding whether there were better links with the differing modes of transport than the others e.g was rail better than air and air links better than sea. 4 felt there were not and 8 did not respond.

b) How would you judge the journey time to major UK cities by train,

plane or bus from Aberdeenshire?

Only two respondents answered this question correctly, the first indicating the “‘Megabus’ takes a long time to get anywhere from Fraserburgh”. The second respondent said “ a little good, quite normal” (Ambiguous question – difficulty in translation, colloquial speak)

c) Do you ever use the train to travel between Aber deenshire and

Aberdeen City?

Response Number Yes 4 No 10 NR 4

Total 18

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4 respondents indicated that they use the train to travel between Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, whereas the majority of respondents indicated that they do not (n=10). 4 people offered no feedback to this question.

d) Would more stations in Aberdeenshire and Aberdee n City improve this service?

Response Number Yes 3 No 3 NR 12

Total 18 Of the 4 who said that they used the train between Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire 3 indicated that they felt that more stations would improve this service. Another 3 felt that it would not make any improvement but volunteered no information or suggestions to what they feel would improve the service. The majority (n=12) did not respond to this question.

8. Travelling Internationally a) If you were travelling from Aberdeenshire to another European country,

how would you make this journey?

Response Number Plane 8 Bus & car 1 Car 1 NR 8

Total 18 b) Do you feel that Aberdeenshire has good air connections internationally?

Response Number Yes 6 No 8 NR 4

Total 18

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c) How affordable do you find international travel?

Chart Showing Respondents Perception of International Travel Cost

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

Respondents Perception

Num

ber

of R

espo

nden

ts

Very Expensive

Expensive

Affordable

Don't know

NR

“Could be cheaper, but I don't know how much are they now.”

“I use the cheap flights.” d) Have you experienced any difficulties travelling to Aberdeenshire?

Response Number Yes 4 No 8 NR 3

Total 18 “Depends on the season.” e) If yes, what could be done to improve these services?

2 responded by saying “better connections” would improve international travel from Aberdeen.

9. General a) How could this consultation process be improved?

”Too long, complicated.” “Too many similar questions.” “Hard and not understandable.”

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“Very long.” “I hope that this questionnaire helps improve Aberdeenshire transport.” “I hope my answers are good enough and will helpful.” “I hope my answer are useful.” “Tickle one's fancy. I wish more this kind of questionnaire in different directions - it should give good results.” ”Cool.” “I don't know.” 4 positive responses

8. Discussion Condensing the main themes inherent in this report is not an easy task since it is

not immediately obvious where the focus should lie. The broad themes range from travel and transport networks to travel and transport services, from consumers to consumer evaluation of services and from engaging minority ethnic communities to equality of access to services.

Filtering the information it becomes evident that the focus has to relate to the latter first and foremost but it also has to integrate all the others since they are inextricably connected. Engaging minority ethnic communities and examining whether their experiences of service delivery were equitable but this is done recognising their consumerist value evaluating travel and transport networks and services. However the importance of the findings has wider implications than that of just travel and transport since the ability to have equal access to such services impacts on people’s work, leisure and quality of life generally. These three factors themselves have implications for the local economy and are linked to the Scottish Government’s single overarching principle ’to focus government and public services on creating a more successful country with opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish, through increasing economic sustainable growth’ (http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2007/11/13092240/9) The Government’s vision can only be achieved by encouraging services to help people get to work and fulfill their lives with meaningful activity. Gleaves in 2007, funded by the then Scottish Executive (SE), examined the role of transport as a barrier to participation and attendance in cultural activity concluding that whilst transport is not the most significant barrier there is evidence of room for improvement. (Gleaves (2008) ‘Exploring the Links Between Transport and

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Culture’, Research Findings No.9/2008, Government Social Research). Gleaves’ work clearly shows fundamental links between transport and societal participation. An ability to participate in society is key to integration in any community and this is no more crucial than for members of minority ethnic communities. Gleaves works makes recommendations on how accessibility can be improved whilst also noting other modes of travel can be relevant and alternatives such as walking, cycling and community transport. These findings such an inclusive transport strategy and infrastructure is vital to success together with a seamless and partnership approach by relevant agencies. If engaging minority ethnic communities and examining whether their experiences of service delivery is the focus on which this report is based then it is first necessary to offer insight into the current population trends regarding minority ethnic communities. A study by Communities Scotland published in July 2007 reports the dramatic population changes experienced in the North East of Scotland in recent years. It indicates that the number of migrant workers in Grampian had more than trebled over four years from 1,850 in 2002/03 to 5,980 in 2005/06. This represents a faster rate of growth than the rest of Scotland and the whole of the UK. The impact of population increase is inevitably felt by service providers such as health, housing, welfare, information and support services such as citizens advice bureaux and public libraries for example. It is difficult to obtain exact data on migrant workers because of a lack of monitoring systems locally and nationally. According to the General Registrar’s Office for Scotland: Information about Scotland’s People, a migrant is internationally defined as someone who changes their country of usual residence for 12 months or more. A short-term seasonal migrant worker will not be counted in the migration estimates or a mid-year population estimate. However it should be noted that this lack of inclusion in official figures will provide an unrealistic representation of the actual number of migrants, particularly in Peterhead and Fraserburgh. A significant number of migrant workers according to the Communities Scotland report are employed in food processing, agriculture, fishing or the construction industry which can offer seasonal work. Synonymous with a discussion of equality is a mention of diversity. Diversity is about valuing individual difference. Diversity challenges us to recognise and value all sorts of differences in order to make our individual environments such as work, school, hospital or business a better place for everyone to be. Diversity is much more than just a new word for equality; a diversity approach aims to recognise, value and manage difference to enable all to contribute with equal access to societal structures and discourse enabling people to realise their full potential. The key to integration in any society is through a sense of belonging and universal acceptance. Equality and diversity in providing a transport service

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and infrastructure is also about recognising that customers and staff come from different backgrounds and therefore have differing needs. It will help users of services to approach and use services if they feel comfortable with the staff. Staff who are conscientious and willing to help when required. All customers need to feel that policy makers, providers and staff can understand their different needs. So adopting an equality and diversity approach will also contribute to improving the services provided. Before discussing the data analysis it is first necessary to contextualise these competing and potentially conflicting concepts. Conceptually understanding a ‘service’ as a ‘product’ is complex and there is no universally accepted definition. (Gabbott and Hogg 1998:24). Gronroos describes services as: “a service is an activity or series of activities of more or less intangible nature that normally, but not necessarily, take place in interactions between the customer and the service employee and/or physical resources or goods and/or systems of the service provider, which are provided as solutions to customer problems” (Gronroos in Gabbott and Hogg 1998:24-25) Therefore taking the above definition as our benchmark and members of minority ethnic communities as the consumer the research found the following notable results: The Transport System

• The majority of respondents felt that the transport system makes the area an attractive place to live.

Roads

• 72% (n=13) of respondents noted no difficulties driving in Aberdeenshire and the same percentage were unaware of the proposed WPR.

• 88% had no experience of Road Traffic Accidents in Aberdeenshire. • 10 respondents felt that enough was being done to reduce road accidents

with 1 respondent encouraged by awareness raising campaigns through local media.

Public Transport

• 13 (72%) respondents felt that there were not enough incentives to use public transport with 10 of the 13 noting they did not feel encouraged to use public transport.

• The price was the most important factor regarding the respondent participants’ decision on whether or not to use public transport, with 12 indicating lower prices would encourage them to use it more and travel more widely. The second most popular consideration was reliability with

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4 of the above 12 respondents stating this. The third consideration was to have faster services with 2 of the 12 respondents offering this as an opinion.

• Of the 10 respondents using websites and phonelines to book journeys or buy tickets 6 noted it is only possible if they can speak English. Some noted an additional language option would be an advantage.

• 50% of respondents had never heard of community transport and therefore never used it.

The Environment

• The responses regarding the environment were surprising. Few respondents knew of information about reducing carbon emissions (n=4) and the majority indicated that they felt they were not encouraged to change their travel behaviour.

• The greener travel options appear to have escaped the notice of the group notably 10 respondents indicate they do not use cycle routes. However 6 noted separately that they walk to work when they can.

Transport and Work

• Surprisingly not all respondents work close to where they live and therefore have to travel further than walkable distance. 7 noted they travel by car and only 1 used public transport (for work).

• The proximity of their workplace to their home was almost evenly balanced with 5 noting that travelling to work is a consideration when accepting a job and 6 noting it makes no difference.

Transport Providers

• The respondents appeared to be generally happy with transport providers and the services they received. 61% noted no problems using public transport.

• The difficulties encountered when using public transport were a result of other users rather than the transport providers.

• Some respondents noted some difficulties with the language barrier, both when booking and trying to use transport.

• Less than half of the respondents requested information in their own language.

• The respondents were almost evenly balanced when discussing their experiences of equality. 6 felt transport providers in Aberdeenshire promote equality but 7 felt that they don’t yet none of the 7 offered any suggestions of how to promote equality.

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Travelling Outwith Aberdeenshire

• Few respondents answered questions regarding travelling outwith Aberdeenshire. However of the 6 that did their views were mixed. 6 noted good air, rail and sea links and of these 6, 2 noted ‘Megabus’ takes a long time.

• 3 respondents felt that more stations between Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City would improve services.

Travelling Internationally

• The majority of respondents (n=8) would travel internationally by plane. Of the 8, 6 felt that there were good international air links.

• Regarding cost of international travel the results were very subjective ranging from affordable to very expensive.

9. Conclusion

The responses were generally very positive indicating areas for improvement rather than a suggestion that complete change is necessary. It would appear from the feedback that the view’s of member’s of minority ethnic communities in Aberdeenshire are also representative of the views of the local population for example cost, efficiency and reliability are key factors in deciding whether to use public transport - bus, train, boat or aeroplane. Furthermore people would like current information, in the appropriate format made available to all for example prices, timetables, route changes and road closures. In an age of increased technology there has to be recognition that a significant number of people still do not have access to IT related information and the same amount of people may not have the necessary skills to use it therefore a reliance on this medium by service providers could be reviewed. Since a Government initiative promotes greener travel and encourages the use of public transport for most daily journey’s there has to be reliable and up to date information accessible to all.

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10. References Migrant Workers in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire, Briefing Paper 2008/05. Aberdeen City Council Strategic Research and Information. Pages 2 & 3. Building on Energy: Delivering the vision for 2025, The economic action plan for Aberdeen City and Shire 2008 Aberdeen City Council Strategic Research and Information. Page 10. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2007/11/13092240/2 Jeffreys,G (2008) Eastern Eropean Migrants in Aberdeenshire, Aberdeenshire Council Early Years Spencer, S et al (2007) Migrant’s Lives Beyond the Workplace: The Experiences of Central and Eastern Europeans in the UK, Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Nestrans Equality Scheme December 2007 NESTRANS regional transport strategy/2021