Transport Connections North West Metro
Connections on the ground - North West Metro
The Transport Connections Program (TCP) provides funding for local organisations to coordinate projects and initiatives that improve access to services and community life for those who experience transport disadvantage. This case study showcases how TCP works on the ground in the North West Metro region.
Craigieburn gets on board the community bus
Hume Transport Links offers a door to door community bus service for residents who are unable to access public or private transport in and around Craigieburn.The Transport Connections project started in September 2010 and the service currently operates five days a week. A local group of trained volunteers utilise two 12-seater mini-buses (donated by the Brotherhood of St Laurence and Ford Australia) to help transport disadvantaged residents access services and community life.
The service allows residents to attend medical appointments and social clubs as well as helping young mothers access childcare and school holiday programs. Clients with complex needs such as people with disabilities also use the service to access respite services.
This popular service has experienced a remarkable increase in monthly patronage due in large part to a comprehensive marketing and promotion program by LINK Community Transport. Since the first service ran in September 2010 there has been a ten-fold increase in monthly patronage.
Stephen Hiley, TCP Coordinator – Hume Transport Links, has been thrilled with the increase in patronage over the past year.
“It is fantastic to see this project grow in leaps and bounds month by month,” Stephen said.
“We’re now helping more than 200 clients access vital services and giving them a better chance to participate in community life.”
The project is a partnership between Hume Transport Links, Hume City Council, Ford Australia and the Brotherhood of St. Laurence with support from The Department of Planning and Community Development, Northern Health, LINK Community Transport and the Melbourne Community Foundation.
For more information about Hume Transport Links projects you can visit the Link Community Transport website
North West Metro Projects and Contacts
- Connecting Communities: Addressing Isolation
- Nillumbik Transport Connections
- Northern Transport Links - Hume