Evaluation of Western NSW flexible transport

Transport for NSW is currently trialling a new approach to providing transport in regional NSW. The first pilot service was introduced in May 2017 and provides a weekly return flexible bus service between Tottenham and Dubbo, a 145km each way trip. The service has received positive feedback and good patronage so far.

Research is currently underway to establish the effectiveness of providing flexible transport. The research which is being conducted within Transport has included interviewing a range of stakeholders and bus service users and non-users within the community. The research is being peer reviewed by Sydney University’s Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies (ITLS) who has extensive, relevant experience in flexible transport.

The following quotes from Tottenham community members provide perspective on the positive impact of the service:

"Before the bus, a family member would need to take a day off work to take me to my medical appointment" (female, licensed driver, retiree 65+ years)

"I feel drowsy when I drive long distances and have started to lose confidence in my driving ability" (male, licenced driver, retiree 65+ years)

"We moved to Tottenham a month ago and have no car. My husband needs the bus, he is looking for a job" (female, non-licenced, working, >65 years)

Further regional trials are also being undertaken in the NSW Western Region and will also be evaluated before further services are developed. The outcomes of the research will assist in developing a future operational model to be applied across regional NSW.