Co-creating solutions to local mobility and transport challenges for the enhancement of health and wellbeing in an area of socioeconomic disadvantage

Introduction The paper describes and examines a novel methodology to co-define transport and mobility challenges and co-create solutions with residents of a socioeconomically disadvantaged area within Oxford in the UK. The co-creation methodology is examined in relation to the extent of participation, inclusivity, transparency, interactivity, scale, sustainability/continuity, replicability, potential for co-benefits. Methods A Citizen Mobility Community was established with local residents at the core, and including representatives from the local authority, and other stakeholders. The paper describes the main elements of the co-creation process applied to identify mobility challenges, identify solutions, endorse the mobility solutions, and develop the solutions into practical action. Setting The setting was the Eastern Arc of Oxford, the most socioeconomically deprived area in Oxford. Results A sequence of co-creation activities helped identify and understand the transport challenges in Barton in the Eastern Arc of Oxford. Challenges included the high cost of public transport, traffic congestion, particularly during morning peak times, and the lack of cross-connectivity and direct public transport routes to desirable locations including affordable supermarkets, train stations, workplaces, health services such as hospitals and other neighbourhoods. The co-creation methodology led to the development of three pilot interventions to address these challenges, namely face-to-face transport app training, a transport to supermarkets shuttle service, and an information campaign about concessionary bus passes. Analysis of the co-creation methodology found that the process achieved its aims of empowering citizens in decision making about addressing locally experienced transport challenges, and building social capital. Conclusions The co-creation enables communities in areas of socioeconomic disadvantage to identify their transport challenges, and to co-develop and co-design practical solutions. Co-creation to address local transport needs builds community empowerment, creates social capital and may contribute, through plausible causal pathways, to improved health and wellbeing in an area of socioeconomic disadvantage.