Needs Related to Transportation in Rural Areas
Access to transportation contributes to the economic development, health, well-being, and quality of life of rural populations. Safe, reliable, affordable, convenient, and accessible transportation is needed for rural residents to access healthcare services, consumer services, employment and educational opportunities, and social services. It is also important for accessing recreation and other activities of daily life.
Healthcare Services
Transportation is necessary for accessing healthcare services in rural communities, particularly in communities where walking or cycling may not be feasible alternatives to reach a healthcare provider. Rural populations rely on personal vehicles, public transport, and non-emergency medical transport to meet their healthcare needs.
Transportation is also a social determinant of health. Barriers to transportation can result in missed healthcare appointments, delays in receiving healthcare interventions, and missed or delayed use of needed medications — all of which may have negative consequences for managing health conditions. Not having a reliable source of transportation can impact how rural community members make decisions about healthcare. Even when people do have access to transportation, long travel distances can affect their health. For example, people may delay seeking care to avoid taking time away from work, school, and other commitments.
Some rural communities have implemented innovative strategies to meet the needs of populations who are unable to access healthcare services due to transportation barriers. These options include:
- Home Visiting. Home visiting is a strategy to connect directly with people who are at high risk or who are less likely to get health and social services from clinics or service agencies. For additional information, see our Rural Home Health Services Topic Guide and Home-Based Programs in our Rural Early Childhood Health Promotion Toolkit.
- Mobile Clinics. Mobile clinics, which may be vans, recreational vehicles, and other vehicles, can deliver clinical services or equipment in geographically isolated areas or small towns that may lack access to healthcare providers. Mobile clinics offer a range of services. The Mobile Dental Health Services Model in our Rural Oral Health Toolkit describes how rural communities are using mobile clinics to deliver dental services.
- Telehealth. Telehealth is a technology tool for delivering healthcare services to patients from a distance. For more information, see Telehealth Models to Improve Care Delivery in our Rural Telehealth Toolkit, the Telehealth and Health Information Technology topic guide's list of project examples, and the Technology and Telehealth Model of our Rural Services Integration Toolkit.
- School-based health. Schools play an important role in rural health systems. Locating school-based health centers in or near schools facilitates access to early prevention and treatment, and permit coordination between medical care providers and school personnel for children with complex needs. More information on school-based services is available in the School-Based Services Integration Model of our Rural Services Integration Toolkit.
- Worksite-based health. In many rural communities, worksite-based clinics are designed to provide easily accessible care for employees who are unable to take time off work to seek services. Additional information and resources about rural worksite programs are available in our Rural Services Integration Toolkit on the Worksite Model page.
For more information, see the Transportation to Support Rural Healthcare topic guide.
Employment and Educational Opportunities
Commuting to employment and educational opportunities is an essential use of transportation services in rural areas. In communities with limited transportation services, rural residents must rely on their personal vehicles to commute to their jobs. This can also limit how far individuals are willing to travel when searching for a new job. Limited access to education and training can also negatively affect job seekers in rural areas. Transportation can affect access to all levels of education – many children in rural areas experience long distances and travel time to get to school. Investing in transportation services can help provide access to employment and educational opportunities, which can improve health, wellness, and economic stability for many rural residents.
Access to Social Services and Other Community Activities
Limited transportation options may prevent rural residents from accessing social services and consumer needs (such as running errands or shopping). Transportation may be essential for civic engagement and participation in community life.
Resources to Learn More
Rural Transportation Statistics
Website
Offers statistics on fatality rate occurring on rural roads, utilization of rural highways to transport
freight, and infrastructure condition of bridges causing detours in rural areas.
Organization(s): U.S. Department of Transportation, Bureau of Transportation Statistics
Rural Transportation: Unique Considerations
Document
Discusses the importance of rural transportation and its development. Covers the barriers and
opportunities found in rural communities, addresses health equity in planning, and role of government in
rural transportation initiatives.
Organization(s): Public Health Law Center at Mitchell Hamline School of Law
Date: 2/2019