Navigating the road ahead: Community transport services provide more than just a ride

Community transport is a vital resource for older Australians, whether it be for the weekly grocery shop or to life-saving dialysis appointments, the service provides much more than just a ride from A to B.

Around 237,500 older people, and people with health conditions or disabilities utilise community transport in Australia each year. The service facilitates independence, keeps people connected and maintains an inclusive society.

The Australian Community Transport Association (ACTA) is hosting this year’s National Community Transport Conference later this month with presentations from the Department of Health and Aged Care as well as the Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority.

The theme for 2024 is Sustainable mobility: Navigating the Future Together.

ACTA chief Murray Coates said this year's conference is crucial to the future of the service in Australia.

“ACTA is proactive and solution focused, by calling sector participants together for the benefit
of community transport services and the ongoing quality of life for senior Australians and
people with disabilities,” said (ACTA) CEO, Murray Coates.

“Community transport delivery has reached a tipping point, and 2024 presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to develop ground-breaking models and policies that will build and maintain a sustainable, efficient community transport sector.”

The ‘tipping point’ comes as ACTA commences its Community Transport Pricing Pilot. The pilot will also collect data on the overall impact community transport has on the wellbeing of some of Australia's most vulnerable communities.

"We know that [community transport] reduces psychological stress. We know it increases inclusion in communities. We know that it increases people's general health because they're able to get fresher food. They're more likely to get to things like health appointments, visiting friends, doing all those social things that are so important to us as human beings." Mr Coates said.

ACTA is partnering with the Department of Health and Aged Care, and 31 selected CHSP transport providers to undertake the Community Transport Pricing Pilot.

The pricing pilot aims to:

• develop and test a more accurate way of calculating transport costs
• develop and test alternative policy arrangements
• incorporate social engagement and client choice

Currently community transport works off a fixed price for service. Meaning whether someone travels five kilometres or 400 kilometres they are paid the same under the current model. The pricing pilot will work on turning that model into a more sustainable varying pricing matrix, so that employees will be paid for what they do rather than being paid a set price.

The University of South Australia will collect the pilot data, and evaluate and report on its results.

"We understand the value that community transport provides to senior Australians and we want to make sure that there is a sustainable quality community transport network that can look after people's needs no matter where they live in Australia," Mr Coates said.

The upcoming National Conference will be an integral part of the pilot, bringing community transport services from all over Australia together with representatives from the Department of Health and Aged Care.

The two day event takes place on the 28th and 29th of August 2024 at the Hyatt Place Melbourne, Essendon Fields.

For more information see here.

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