A community support organisation is calling for an innovative approach to city transport to allow better “front door to destination” services.
TransitCare says that one of the legacies of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games should be permanent, accessible ways for people to stay connected to the important things in their lives
The organisation’s CEO Amanda Mather said the design of the city’s transport legacy should be underpinned by better access to jobs, healthcare, education, sport and community life.
“Imagine an older person who can safely get to their medical appointment, a young person in an outer suburb who can access a job opportunity across the city, or a family who can easily navigate multiple public transport modes to attend a major sporting event,” she said.
“Successful transport infrastructure for the Games must not just focus on moving volunteers, spectators, workers and athletes around during a temporary event.
“A successful transport legacy (should) deliver ongoing accessibility and connectivity, for every person and for every journey.”
TransitCare is an Australian not-for-profit community transport provider that helps seniors, people with disabilities, and socially isolated or transport-disadvantaged individuals get to essential appointments, go shopping, and stay connected.
On Friday, October 30, it will bring together leaders from government, transport, infrastructure, technology, planning, research, accessibility and community services at the inaugural Transport Equity Summit at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.
Delegates will work directly with researchers, industry experts and people with lived experience to explore ways to ensure:
- Every journey can be planned
- Every place is connected
- Every person can find their way
- Every transport mode works together
Ms Mather said research and government games planning documents had highlighted the importance of accessible, connected transport for community health, wellbeing and economic sustainability.
She said community transport already played an important role in supporting people who could not always use conventional public transport.
“As Australia’s largest community transport provider we see every day the positive impact that getting people out and about has on individuals and communities,” she said.
“We see transport as the enabler to economic growth, community wellbeing and positive visitor experiences.”
More details on the summit are here
