LARGE swathes of Britain, including urban and suburban areas, are left isolated from the rest of the country because they lack public transport, an MPs’ report has found.

The Commons transport committee recommended yesterday that the Department for Transport (DfT) identify “isolated communities” — which are not necessarily in rural areas — in order to improve scarce transport resources.

“Two out of every five job-seekers cite lack of transport as a barrier to finding work,” said committee chairwoman Louise Ellman.

“It is vital that all ministers recognise the fundamental importance of passenger transport in providing access to education, healthcare and employment.”

Transport union RMT blamed government cuts for the shortfall.

“This damning report shows that savage cuts to bus services, and the high costs of other forms of transport, are condemning some of the most vulnerable members of our society to lives of total isolation and misery,” said RMT acting general secretary Mick Cash.