Addressing transport disadvantages in regional and rural areas through integrated mobility services

Abstract

This paper explores mobility barriers and the impact of transport disadvantage on vulnerable individuals (e.g., the elderly, disabled, and low-income) in regional and rural areas, including the limited transport options, inadequate infrastructure, information gaps, affordability issues, safety concerns, and preference for car over public transport. We conduct qualitative analysis using the data collected from community group discussions in three regional towns in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, and identify a significant gap in the literature concerning the potential for integrated mobility solutions to address mobility barriers of the transport-disadvantaged in regional and rural settings. Our findings highlight the need to strive for the “gold standard” including better infrastructure, integration of services, increased safety, comfort, and convenience, and greater availability, affordability, and flexibility of mobility services. The insights from the discussions suggest that integrated mobility solutions, such as Mobility as a Service (MaaS), have significant potential to ameliorate these barriers, improve the quality of life and promote social inclusion for rural populations. The paper provides policy implications on improving the appeal and adoption of integrated mobility solutions more generally in regional and rural settings.