Addressing transport disadvantages in regional and rural areas through integrated mobility services

This paper explores mobility barriers and the impact of transport disadvantage on vulnerable individuals (such as the elderly, disabled, and low-income) in regional and rural areas. Qualitative analysis is conducted using the data collected from community group discussions in three regional towns in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, and identifies a significant gap in the literature concerning the potential for integrated mobility solutions to address mobility barriers of the transport-disadvantaged in regional and rural settings. Our findings highlight the need to strive for the “gold standard” including better infrastructure, integration of services, increased safety, comfort, and convenience, and greater availability, affordability, and flexibility of mobility services. The insights from the discussions suggest that integrated mobility solutions, have significant potential to ameliorate these barriers, improve the quality of life and promote social inclusion for rural populations. The paper provides policy implications on improving the appeal and adoption of integrated mobility solutions more generally in regional and rural settings. • The transport disadvantaged in rural areas face significant barriers. • Integrated mobility solutions address mobility barriers of the transport disadvantaged. • There is a need for a “gold standard” for rural transport services.