Article: Older and younger Victorians have the most problems ....

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Older and younger Victorians have the most problems accessing public transport, research shows

Older and younger Victorians have the most problems accessing public transport, research shows

   Greg Thom
   From: Herald Sun
   March 23, 2012 12:47PM

OLDER Victorians and people under 25 are being left behind by the state's struggling public transport system.

Almost one in six commuters over 75 say they can no longer reach their destination without difficulty, analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics data reveals.

Analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics data has revealed a 15 per cent drop in the number of commuters aged over 75 who say they can reach their destination without difficulty.

Young adults reported an 8 per cent drop in their ability to get around easily, limiting their access to jobs, education and support.

The Victorian Council of Social Service said the research proved Victorians were finding it increasingly difficult to travel because of the unreliability of transport.

"It is quite alarming that there are more older and vulnerable young people who are becoming disconnected from their families and friends as well as the facilities, support services and jobs that they need to get to,'' VCOSS spokeswoman Kate Colvin said.

ABS data comparing 2006 and 2010 showed there had been no change in people's access to a car, meaning the lack of mobility could be blamed primarily on a lack of public transport options.

"Public and community transport options in Melbourne's outer suburbs and in rural and regional Victoria need to be strengthened to ensure people are not disadvantaged because of where they live,'' Ms Colvin said.

"People who experience transport disadvantage are more likely to have poor health outcomes, earn less and have greater need for support services than those who can get around easily.''

Ms Colvin said the availability of public transport was an essential part of connecting people and communities and the State Government must ensure everyone had access to adequate services.

"The recent closures of a number of local bus services in regional Victoria will only make the situation worse for people who don't have any other options for travel,'' she said.

Public Transport Users Association president Daniel Bowen said many residents in middle and outer suburbs experienced real problems trying to use public transport to reach education and work opportunities.

"Too many areas have no trains or trams and just infrequent or inadequate bus services for people to get around,'' he said.

Mr Bowen said this forced many people to drive - if they had a car - or miss out.

"With petrol prices rising, this will become a huge problem in Melbourne's outer suburbs and it underscores the need for more frequent, usable services, such as Smart buses, particularly in areas not served by trams and trains,'' Mr Bowen said.