Document Type

Conference Paper

Publication Date

2007

Subject Area

Location - Outer suburbs, Location - Urban fringe, Social Issues - Low Income, Transport policy - Disadvantage, Transport policy - Social disadvantage, Transport policy - Transport disadvantage, Transport policy - Transport poverty

Abstract

A large number of research studies have identified the suburban fringe of Australian metropolitan areas as a focus of significant transport disadvantage. More recent research has suggested that rising auto fuel prices and associated increases in home loan rates are further exacerbating disadvantage in Australia's urban fringe. A major UK program has now associated lack of transport and access to wider social disadvantage and social exclusion. A systematic and comprehensive approach to matching public transport to social needs requires an objective and systematic approach to identifying gaps between services and social needs. This paper presents the results of a study aimed at objectively measuring the relative quality of public transport and it spatial distribution with respect to transport disadvantage in Melbourne.