Example public administration dissertation topic 2:

Rural transformations with regards to the policy of bus-passenger subsidies for pensioners: a case study of effects in Cornwall

The idea of free nationwide bus-travel (using local services) was introduced by the Labour Government under Tony Blair. Recording, thereafter, record numbers of pensioners using such free travel, these schemes have come increasingly under the budget spotlight as a consequence of the need for budget constraint and the cutting of non-essential services in this era of austerity. Using focus group interviews in Cornwall, this dissertation assess not only the positive benefits that the introduction of the scheme brought but also notes the fears and concerns of residents if such concessionary travel schemes as funded by councils were to be removed. Seeking to further inform the public debate that surrounds such issues, this is a dissertation that also undertakes interviews with council leaders in the area.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Grayling, T. (2001). Any more fares? Delivering better bus services. London: IPPR.
• Hine, J. (2007). Travel demand management and social exclusion. Mobilities, 2(1), pp. 109-120.
• Kurauchi, F., Schmocker, J. D. and Bell, M. G. (2007). Travel choice simulation: predicting travel demand for accessible transport services. In 11th International Conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled Persons, 18-21 June, Montreal, Canada.