The
rural transport problem refers to difficulties experienced in providing
transport links to
rural communities, mostly in the
United Kingdom. Low rural
population density makes viable
public transport difficult, though people in rural areas usually have a greater need for transport than urban dwellers. High levels of car ownership can diminish the problem, but certain rural groups (the young, old or poor) always require public transport. Increasing car ownership may put pressure on existing rural public transport, prompting a diminished service, which in turn encourages even higher car ownership, creating a
vicious circle of public transport decline.