Titled "Mobility: Mental Health Put to the Test by Transport", the study sheds light on a blind spot in mobility policies: the psychological impact of daily travel. Stress, fatigue, feelings of insecurity… some journeys can be sources of tension. But public transport can also, conversely, become a powerful ally for mental well-being.
Insight
Mobility: Mental Health Put to the Test by Transport
Key Takeaways:
- 67 %of French people report having experienced a period of intense stress or anxiety.
- 41 %of those who have suffered from depressive symptoms believe that mobility difficulties were partly responsible.
- 15million people in France are affected by mobility poverty.
But the study also highlights positive signals:
Regular public transport users tend to develop a stronger ability to adapt to daily challenges, helping to reduce their stress levels.
Smooth and reliable journeys can provide genuine "mental breathing spaces" throughout the day.
Positive effects are observed on self-esteem and autonomy, especially among young people and those far from employment.
As a mobility operator, Keolis is proud to have contributed to this initiative. It is fully aligned with our DNA: understanding the life journeys behind travel flows, in order to design solutions that are useful to everyone — collectively and individually. It also echoes our ambition to make mobility a driver of well-being, equity, and social resilience.
“Mobility is the ‘right of all rights’: it determines access to healthcare, employment, and social life. Yet in France, 15 million people still experience mobility insecurity. This is not inevitable! At Keolis, we are taking action for more inclusive and more human public transport — offering solutions for all, such as accessibility, adapted schedules, and seamless intermodality, but also tailored solutions for each individual — including vulnerable populations, people with disabilities, or those who feel unsafe. And because there is no mobility without the people who make it possible, we also place the well-being of our drivers at the heart of our priorities.”
Marie-Ange Debon, Chairwoman of the Keolis Executive Board
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