Report 1-55 - Inter-regional Public Transport

INTER-REGIONAL PUBLIC TRANSPORTEQUITY OF ACCESS TO PUBLIC TRANSPORTChapter Three – Equity of access to publictransport3.1 This chapter considers transport disadvantage among vulnerable groups in thecommunity and the effects of transport disadvantage on those living in regionalareas. It examines how the accessibility of vehicles, railway stations and businterchanges affect particular groups, and the role played by communitytransport in providing transport to vulnerable groups and to regionalcommunities in general.TRANSPORT DISADVANTAGE3.2 The Transport Master Plan considers that transport disadvantage exists whereaccess to transport is unequally distributed, and where the groups that areaffected experience increased geographic and social isolation, and reducedopportunities for employment, recreational and social activities. 723.3 The Transport Master Plan identifies factors that lead to transport disadvantage,such as limited or non-existent public transport services, limited access to privatetransport, the costs associated with accessing public transport, and difficultieswith accessing public transport services:Transport provides people with mobility and access. Without it, people can becomeisolated. Transport disadvantage stems from non-existent or infrequent publictransport services, a lack of access to private transport, and transport services thatare too expensive or that cannot be physically accessed by people with mobilitydifficulties.Groups most likely to be disadvantaged are elderly people, young people, peoplewith a disability, single parents, people with poor health and low income earners. 733.4 The Transport Master Plan also acknowledges that transport disadvantage ismore acute in regional NSW, because long distances, small populations anddifficult terrain all affect the viability of public transport. This results in regionalcommunities being heavily reliant on car travel, which negatively impacts onthose groups who do not have ready access to a car. 743.5 Inquiry participants identified the following groups living in regional areas asbeing especially vulnerable to the effects of transport disadvantage:• older people• people with disabilities• people with a mental illness72 Transport for NSW, NSW Long Term Transport Master Plan, p 419.73 Transport for NSW, NSW Long Term Transport Master Plan, p 303.74 Transport for NSW, NSW Long Term Transport Master Plan, p 303. See also, Submission 44, Coffs Harbour CityCouncil, p 6.MARCH 2014 27