The Department for Transport has said that targeting young people with information about alternatives to the car at key 'trigger points' in their lives could boost use of public transport more effectively.

Its conclusions were drawn from research that was undertaken through a series of interviews with just 68 people between the ages of 16-25.

For those under 16 years of age, just 36 interviews were conducted.

The interviews revealed that for younger people, the transition from education to employment is a key development stage in their lives during which it might be most effective to target efforts to influence their transport choices.

The report also showed that improving frequency and reliability of public transport services was a key concern of both older and younger people.

Transport Minister Rosie Winterton said: "Offering alternatives to the car at key points in young people's lives could play an important part in our efforts to encourage them onto public transport at an early stage, getting people into the habit for life."