Systematic review of the associations between transport and loneliness

Loneliness has been identified as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, mental illness and premature mortality. While there is a large evidence base on transport related social exclusion, as loneliness is a subjective experience, participants need to report their own sense of loneliness to study associations between loneliness and transport. A pre-registered systematic review was undertaken to identify and synthesise the evidence on associations between transport and loneliness. Studies on a variety of transportation activities were eligible for inclusion, from different modes of transport through to infrastructure and characteristics, with a specific focus on active modes of travel. Searching nine bibliographic databases up to May 2023 identified 53 papers. Most of these studies employed quantitative cross-sectional methods but cohort and qualitative studies were also present. Associations between loneliness and private motor vehicles (26 papers), active travel (16 papers), public transport (14 papers), transport infrastructure (13 papers), and community transport (5 papers) were all reported. Narrative synthesis of the studies identified three themes:

1. Transport as a means of reaching destinations where you meet people
2. Transport as a ‘third place’ in which you meet people
3. Transport as a positive source of isolation

Together these themes highlight the various roles that transportation plays in society, which can increase or reduce loneliness. Transport behaviours can be a cause and consequence of loneliness. Policy, practice and research need to recognise all road uses, the variety of reasons for travelling and the effects of transport on social environments.