Progress report on DfT Gender equality scheme 2007-2010

We published our first Gender Equality Scheme in April 2007, covering the period to April 2010.  This report summarises the steps taken to promote equality and eliminate discrimination by implementing the actions set out in that scheme.  We are aware that there remain a number of objectives yet to be met, but are taking this opportunity to set out the Department’s progress to date.

Improving accessibility 

As part of their Local Transport Plans, local authorities are expected to develop and deliver accessibility strategies. Local authorities and their partners are encouraged to consider the diverse needs and challenges of different sections of their local communities, including women, in assessing the services and facilities that they need.  

The Local Transport Bill sets out proposals to tackle congestion and improve public transport, ensuring that local authorities have the freedom and flexibility to implement measures that are appropriate for their local circumstances. The Department has listened to the views of those involved, including local authorities, businesses, transport operators and road user groups, such as the freight industry and passengers.

Relevant evidence includes:

Women are more frequent users of buses, taking on average 54 trips per year compared to 39 for men. They are therefore more likely to benefit from any improved bus services that result from changes proposed in the Bill on Voluntary and Quality Partnerships as well as Quality Contracts.

We have introduced through the concessionary bus fares scheme discounted travel on local public transport for older and disabled people. We want to ensure that bus travel, in particular, remains within the means of those on limited incomes and those who have mobility difficulties. This supports our wider work to tackle social exclusion. Bus travel remains the most used form of public transport, especially by older people.

Since 1 April 2006, disabled people and those over 60 have been entitled to free bus travel within their local area from 9.30am Monday to Friday and all day at weekends.  To allow those bus users the freedom to use their passes throughout the country, an extra £212 million has been added to the concessionary fares scheme this year.

On 1 April 2008, we extended the local entitlement for free bus travel to allow bus travel throughout England. It means that whether using the bus locally, during off peak times, or when visiting other parts of the country, older and disabled people will be able to travel for free.  We shall monitor the entitlement extension. Half fare subsidies for long distance coach travel are also available under a scheme agreed with coach operators.

Accessibility is an issue that particularly affects older or disabled people or those travelling with shopping or small children. Improvements have been made. Regulations on accessibility and the widespread introduction of low floor buses have especially benefited those pushing prams or buggies. Many operators report significant increases in the number of women travelling by bus as a result of improved accessibility.

Improving the Evidence Base

In order to strengthen and map its evidence base, the Department for Transport has produced the 'Evidence-based Review of Mobility: choices and barriers for different social groups.'  This draws together existing research findings on the experiences of disabled people, ethnic minority groups, women and older people when using transport. 

DfT also published 'Towards a Sustainable Transport System'[1] in October 2007, which commits the department to an early, open and ongoing dialogue with transport users and other stakeholders.

An Equalities Impact Assessment toolkit has been developed to enable policy makers to take account of the potential impact of new policies, using available data and seeking the views of people who could be affected.  The Department has published internal guidance and advice on carrying out the assessments, as well as more general information on the Gender Equality Duty and its implications.

Research has been commissioned to examine the impact that existing UK bus initiatives have on social exclusion. Findings will be fed back to the Department and local transport authorities to help improve transport accessibility at the national and local level following the conclusion of the project at the end of the year.

The National Travel Survey is used to monitor trends in travel for men and women. Interview data from the 2007 survey was published in August 2008, including analysis by gender.[2] Trip data from 2007 is likely to be published in 2009.

The Driving Standards Agency has set up a Quality Assurance team (QAT) to tackle the differing pass rates given by driving test examiners.  The overall pass rate for women is slightly lower than for men and DSA is attempting to address this at a local as well as a national level.  Driving examiners’ pass/fail rates will be checked, and a member of the QAT will work with examiners to ensure tests are being conducted fairly for people of each gender where there is a disparity.

Meeting the needs of the customer is key to equality of opportunity. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is improving customer service at local offices by using a new Customer Management process.  This is a different way of interacting with customers at local offices from their arrival to their departure.  In some cases this has meant remodelling to improve access for customers who use wheelchairs, have baby buggies, use walking frames or who have other accessibility needs.  The pilots have been successful, and this process is being rolled out to the majority of Local Offices over the next eighteen months.

The DVLA also undertakes an annual Customer Survey, which is thoroughly analysed. Evidence from the last survey suggests that customers find the use of ‘meeters’ and ‘greeters’ combined with reduced waiting times is helpful for parents with children.  The availability of online licensing also helps people with caring responsibilities. 

Personal Safety

We are fully aware that many people (particularly women, older people and those from ethnic minorities) are concerned about using public transport, especially at night. Departmental research has shown that the travelling public only considers a journey as safe as its weakest link.

Network Rail, London Underground, Docklands Light Railway and most Train Operating Companies (TOCs) are participating in the Secure Stations Scheme, which is designed to improve security standards at overground and underground rail stations, and establish and standardise good security practices for passengers and staff.  The number of stations accredited under the Scheme has grown steadily since its launch in 1998 and there are at present over 800 accredited stations. We continue our policy of asking bidders to achieve Secure Stations Scheme accreditation.

Recently-let franchises[3] have also included a clearly defined set of requirements to maintain and clean stations and trains.  Train operating companies are checked and audited by independent inspectors who routinely check station fabric, lighting, car parks, information provision, levels of litter, etc. These are all important to how safe people feel when travelling.

The Department has a rolling programme of initiatives to tackle crime and the fear of crime across the ‘whole journey’. This programme recognises that no single factor makes people feel unsafe and that only a combination of measures addressing the whole journey experience can reassure people of their personal security.  We are committed to reducing crime and the fear of crime wherever it occurs in the transport system.

We are continuing to raise the profile of transport crime amongst Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships (CDRPs), and asking that they address this. Local authorities’ Transport Plans should already address personal security issues in all modes.

Improving information

The Highways Agency’s Safety Strategy team have produced a driver information programme entitled ‘Hi’. Based on research into the needs of women drivers, the team produced a glossy magazine which outlined key safety advice on areas such as car maintenance, breakdowns and advanced driving. To date over half a million copies have been distributed through a range of channels, including ‘EVE’ magazine, and through working in partnership with local authorities across the country.

For example, in the North East, the magazine was given to women taking test drives at Audi garages. Whilst one local authority handed them out at ASDA stores, York council gave copies to beauty salons and doctor’s surgeries and Cheshire & Lancashire local authorities distributed copies to sixth formers. The Highways Agency also has a page on the Sheilas’ Wheels and Foxy Lady Drivers websites, and has written editorials in publications such as ‘Today’s Business Woman’ and ‘Beauty Angels’.

This information is available through the Highways Agency’s website: www.highways.gov.uk/knowledge/17731.aspx along with other products targeting distinct groups.

Human Resources

The Department is reassessing its approach to promoting diversity generally, and gender equality in employment is a key issue. In part this reassessment reflects improvements that have already been identified since the introduction of our gender equality scheme.

The employment aspects of the scheme were developed through close involvement with staff and managers, and a Gender Focus group has now been established in the Central Department.  This group has encouraged discussion on gender-related issues from the Department’s business areas and has highlighted flexible working as an important issue to support wherever possible.

The Central Department and Agencies are developing a common approach to monitoring diversity-related employment data. Gender monitoring follows the pattern expected under the Relations Act, and covers all key aspects and stages of employment.

A detailed report is being prepared for each Agency and for the Central Department on staffing figures for the year April 2007 to 2008. These reports, alongside a summary report for the whole Department, will be published on the DfT’s website early in the New Year.

The Central Department and its Agencies continue to comply fully with requirements to monitor gender pay.

Remaining Priorities

Women often prioritise accessibility and their personal security above other issues when travelling.  The DfT has published ‘Women and Public Transport: the Checklist’ to assist transport planners and providers when designing appropriate services and to help local authorities assess women’s transport needs in Local Transport Plans.  This work will be updated fully in 2009.

Changes to the Department’s procurement policy have been overtaken by a more fundamental review of the Procurement Manual.  Whilst we are content that it covers general principles, further, more specific, guidance will be added.  We are aiming to complete this larger review by the end of January 2009.

[1] http://www.dft.gov.uk/about/strategy/transportstrategy/pdfsustaintranssystem.pdf

[2] National travel Survey 2007: http://www.dft.gov.uk/162259/162469/221412/221531/223955/3227431/NTS2007.pdf

[3] Train operating companies submit expressions of interest and bid to operate new rail franchises (contracts) e.g. inter-city, rural, commuter or airport services let by Government.