The humble school bus: An opportunity for improving regional mobility

Abstract

Many regional and rural Australians are at risk of social exclusion and lower wellbeing due to poor accessibility options. The paper uses a Victrorian regional case study to demonstrate how regional/rural transport disadvantage can reduce personal wellbeing, showing the high monetary cost of diminished wellbeing. It argues for a coordinated and shared response to local regional/rural transport, using the example of wider use being made of dedicated school bus services to improve regl mobility choices. Barriers to opening up the school bus to a broader range of passengers are reviewed and expected benefits are identified, supporting wider use.