International Perspectives

Purpose This chapter reviews the key findings of the Melbourne study using the wider international literatures on transport and social exclusion as its conceptual framework. It begins by briefly summarising the research and policy context in which the study is set. It then provides an overview of major conceptual, theoretical and methodological advancements relevant to this area over the last ten years in order to evaluate the study's contribution of the Melbourne study to research, policy and practice internationally. Methodology The conceptual framework for this chapter is based on a comprehensive review of the international literatures on transport and social exclusion. After a brief introduction to these, it outlines key conceptual, theoretical and methodological advancements as they pertain to transport-related social exclusion. In addition, it evaluates the scope and implications of the Melbourne study's methodol ogical approach with particular reference to contemporary scholarly debates in this area. The chapter subsequently explores the applicability of the research in policy and practice, both inside and outside the Australian context. Findings The chapter concludes that the Melbourne study has made a significant contribution to conceptual, theoretical and methodological developments within the area of transport-