ACCESS to transport is a basic human need that fundamentally impacts wellbeing.

Community transport is a critical element of our wider transport network that ensures suitable transport options exist for everybody, especially those with specific or more complex needs.

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A study was recently led by ITS Australia, the peak body in Australia for advanced transport technology, with the University of Technology Sydney’s Institute for Public Policy and Governance leading the research effort.

It includes input from departments of transport (Transport for NSW, DOT VIC, DOT WA and Department of Transport and Main Roads), and is supported by iMOVE Cooperative Research Centre, the national centre for transport and mobility research and development.

Peter Lee, Senior Manager, Institute for Public Policy and Governance, University of Technology Sydney said, “In taking a strategic look at community transport and its context, our research really shines a light on a poorly understood area of transport to evidence the complexities experienced by service providers and their customers.

“In drawing attention to existing and emerging challenges and opportunities for community transport, we hope the research can act as a catalyst for action in policy, engagement, innovation and partnerships,” he said.

The findings provide a picture of the Australian community transport landscape and where there are opportunities to deliver services that meet everyone’s needs at both a system and service level.

This new research highlights how needs are still not being met in many places.

It explores the options for improving the situation by having the right discussions and action, including integration and innovation in the community transport sector.

Investment in community transport reduces transport disadvantage, defined as ‘the inability to travel when and where one needs to without difficulty’.

This seemingly simple objective is becoming increasingly difficult to achieve, especially for older people, those with a disability and people in rural and regional areas.

Australia’s older generation (those aged 65 and over) continues to grow and is projected to more than double by 2057

This is just one reason why the number of people at risk of transport disadvantage will grow significantly over time.

The wider transport sector is currently undergoing a sustained period of change arising from technology, digitalisation, automation and access to data.

New capability is creating ways of planning and delivering services that have the potential to meet everyone’s needs, including our most vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.

Lee-Ann Breger, Programs Director, iMOVE said, “The ability to get around is key to any individual’s wellbeing as it enables them to access health services, to work and participate in leisure activities.

“In Australia, we have an increasingly ageing population, where five percent of the population has a severe disability of some kind, many of whom need support to get from A to B.

“We need to make sure that our CT networks deliver this.”

For those living in Port Stephens transport to medical appointments can be difficult particularly as residents age and are no longer able to drive long distances perhaps due to the treatments being undertaken.

Sarah Smith, President of the Tomaree Breast Cancer Support Group (TBCSG) told News Of The Area, “’TBCSG are fortunate to have a team of volunteer drivers who take patients to treatment mostly in Newcastle and also the new Genesis Centre at Maitland.

“Driving patients to their treatment is one of the main services our group provides.

“All of our fundraising goes directly to patient support.

“Most people have family or friends who can help with transport but our group is always able to assist.

“Patients and their families are always very grateful for our support.’

“TBCSG are always looking for new members who are prepared to join our team of drivers.”

By Marian SAMPSON