The ability to access – in the spatial sense – jobs, education, health services and other facilities is a key factor of social inclusion. Barriers to spatial mobility include problems of awareness, availability, physical accessibility and affordability. Within this context, public transport facilities and services are an essential component to re-connect socially excluded citizens to the social and economic structures of society.

In order to illustrate this role, the UITP EU-Committee and the UITP Transport and Urban Life Commission organise a workshop within the framework of the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion.