Innovations for Better Rural Mobility
Limited transport options in rural and remote areas hinder access to basic services, jobs and social activities. This report presents international best practices and recommendations for transport provision in communities where conventional public transport is difficult to sustain. It examines how sustainable accessibility for people without access to a car could be provided in cost-effective ways in rural areas.
Policy Insights
- Formulate a countrywide accessibility policy and implement Sustainable Regional Mobility Plans (SRMP).
- Adopt a whole-of-government approach for rural public services and the local economy.
- Make regulations more flexible to allow for the development of innovative, cost-effective mobility solutions.
- Combine public mobility budgets to achieve cost savings.
- Fund pilot schemes to test innovative mobility concepts.
- Prioritise financial support for innovative services according to higher impact levels rather than use of high tech.
- Use innovative financing approaches to increase funding pools and viability of individual transport services.
- Increase central government funding for shared and active travel in rural areas.
- Provide technical assistance for rural mobility at the national or regional level.
- Promote mobility hubs to connect local services to the core network.
- Support the development of national or regional Mobility as a Service (MaaS).