More than a quarter of Czechs face transport insecurity, new study finds

More than 10 percent of Czechs frequently — or almost never — manage to reach essential services like healthcare, work, or school in a timely and reliable way, Czech Radio reported. A new survey, released in collaboration with the Institute 2050, reveals that over a quarter of the population has at least occasional difficulty with everyday travel.

The most affected are low-income residents of small towns and rural communities with populations under 5,000. Contrary to popular belief, the issue primarily impacts younger and middle-aged people rather than the elderly. The study found that the biggest barriers to public transport use are a lack of direct connections, poorly timed schedules, and inefficient transfers.

Experts say transport poverty is closely linked to income poverty. While wealthier rural residents can rely on family cars, those without financial means are often left stranded — deepening social exclusion and limiting access to basic services.