Youth Transport Forum: Empowering the Younger Generation

Oxfordshire Community Rail Partnership (OxCRP), working alongside our sister CRP in Gloucestershire, is excited to announce the creation of a Youth Transport Forum. This initiative will facilitate youth-led action to understand the transport needs, gaps and barriers in the region. We want young people from across Oxfordshire to sign up and make their voices heard on the important transport related matters that affect them.

Building on Existing Projects 

The forum builds on our existing youth programmes and the important grassroots partnerships established with youth groups and community organisations through our Getaway and Rails to Trails projects. Over the last year, we have engaged young people through evidence-led approaches to increase travel confidence, improve access to nature and understand transport needs in the region. This is especially important given that only 29% of 17-20 year olds drive, an 18% decrease from 2004. Working collaboratively with our sister CRP in Gloucestershire has allowed us to add value to the insights gained from their Young People’s Voices Insight and Impact Report to understand the needs and priorities of young people  better.  

For example, did you know that for 78% of young people safety was the most important consideration when taking public transport? Or that 45% said the environmental impact of a journey affects the way they travel? The Youth Transport Forum is designed to build on this work, providing a platform for young people to come together and discuss solutions to the issues that matter. 

How will it Work?

The forum will take place across four meetings at the start of 2025. Each session focuses on a different topic selected by the participants to ensure the project remains youth-led throughout. The meetings will involve a mix of group discussions, presentations, solution finding as well as talks from external groups. The aim is to workshop actionable solutions that can be presented to relevant stakeholders, influencing future developments and increasing awareness of existing support.

How to get involved with the Youth Transport Forum?

Joining the Youth Transport Forum is a great opportunity to make a difference. It provides a platform for the region's youth to make their voices heard whilst simultaneously developing a wide range of skills as they work together with other engaged young people on the transport priorities of the day. It also offers valuable experience across diverse sectors such as transport, sustainability, policy and more, that could be beneficial when applying to university or future employment.

If you or someone you know would be interested in joining the forum then please sign up! Applications open on November 15th and anyone aged 16-25 who lives, works or studies in Oxfordshire or Gloucestershire is eligible to join. 

It’s super easy to apply, just click here to access the form which also contains more information surrounding the forum including timings, dates, and location.