This project aims to help make public transport fair and inclusive for all people in Tasmania.

The project has a particular focus on communities in outer urban areas and rural towns and young people with:

• disabilities
• mental health needs
• chronic illness
• autism and/or neurodiversity

Tasmania’s main type of public transport is the bus.

The project is funded by Anglicare Tasmania, Dr Lisa Stafford is the lead researcher, and it has UTAS ethics research clearance – Project ID: 24779.

The project aims to:

• show where problems exist in the public transport system
• show the impacts of poor or no access to public transport on young people and communities (we call this transport disadvantage)
• collect ideas and priorities for future transport solutions
• start a plan for change to help reduce transport disadvantage and make it fairer for all.

Phase 1 – Understanding the Public Transport System

Phase one of the project looked at the current approach to public transport and how well access and inclusion is considered.

This has involved various activities like:

• a review of transport policies and the decisions made relating to disadvantage and equity
• studying public transport hubs through walking interviews using universal design and whole of journey approach
• talking to many people involved in public transport in Tasmania
• finding examples to help bring about change.

Phase 2 – Stories and ideas from young people and communities

In Phase 2 we gathered empirical data through community chats and one on one interviews, focusing on two case study areas:

1. Rapid growth areas on the urban fringe in South-East Tasmania
2. Key regional urban areas on the North West Coast.

Community chats were held in Burnie, Ulverstone, Devonport, Brighton and Primrose Sands in June and July 2022. Individual interviews were completed in June, July and August 2022.

Through the community chats and interviews, participants shared their experiences and stories of using public transport on the outer urban fringe and in rural towns. In particular, we heard about the trips that aren’t being made, why they aren’t and what happens when there is no or limited access to transport. We also collected ideas from young people and communities on how to make public transport better and fairer in the future.