Data analytics We wanted to identify areas with a risk of social exclusion because of issues with the transport system The biggest challenge posed by the analysis, according to Jarvis, is in the interpretation of the results. We were quite keen on how we presented the data in the report to say that our claim isnt that 3.3 million people in the north are currently exposed to this, but rather this is the population living in areas with a high level of risk, based on the combination of access to stability and vulnerability. Developing the analysis A further challenge in presenting the data is that the areas at risk of TRSE dont necessarily align with what might be found by examining indices of multiple deprivation. Many areas with high levels of deprivation have reasonably good transport links, for example, because they tend to be in urban centres. That was a challenge in developing the analysis early on, says Jarvis. Initially, our approach combined an accessibility score and a vulnerability score, meaning there are areas with very high vulnerability but quite good transport links that were indicated as having a high risk of TRSE, and we didnt see that as a totally satisfactory outcome. We wanted this tool to identify areas with a risk of social exclusion specifically and primarily because of issues with the transport system. Its why, he explains, the researchers developed a threshold analysis approach to the TRSE risk categories, which meant that an LSOA needed to have high vulnerability and poor accessibility to be classified as having a high risk of TRSE. The final version of the data tool allows for a comparison of the variations in risk across the north of England in a way that wouldnt otherwise be possible without an absolutely humungous survey dataset, says Jarvis, by expanding the findings over a wider geography. Other than insights from the primary research, the data tool didnt uncover any impact from Covid-19 travel disruption, as the data used is from 2019, but TfN plans to run the analysis again once new data on deprivation and accessibility are available this year. With talk from recent governments of levelling up investment in the UKs regions, the report paints a compelling picture of the challenges facing the transport system in the north. Acting on the findings of the research, TfN is currently developing a wider policy agenda of transport interventions with the aim of supporting a more inclusive and effective transport system. At the time of going to print, it was preparing to launch a consultation on the strategy. The data tool, available on TfNs website, can be used to aid decision-making for local authorities and transport stakeholders. Jarvis says: We suggest using this tool as a guide to highlight areas where the analysis suggests there is a higher level of risk of TRSE, and then use that to complement and back up local intelligence on whats required in particular areas. 43 Impact ISSUE 40 2022_pp42-43_Data Analytics.indd 43 13/12/2022 11:52