The Minns Labor Government has launched the first major review of the NSW Community Transport Program in more than a decade, as the 40-year-old program continues to connect people across NSW with essential services and their communities.
Each year, the NSW Government invests $13 million in the vital program, which helps eligible people who may not have access to other forms of transport get where they need to go.
In the last year, the NSW Community Transport Program supported almost 13,000 people who took more than 240,000 trips across NSW. Around 82 per cent of these trips helped customers access medical care, do their shopping and participate in everyday life.
Community transport services travelled more than 14.3 million kilometres over the same period, reflecting the distances some customers need to travel, particularly in regional and remote communities.
The program currently contracts 63 providers across every local government area in NSW, with around three-quarters of recorded trips delivered outside Sydney.
With community transport playing such an important role in the everyday lives of people across NSW, the review will help ensure the program continues to deliver the right support, in the right places, for the people who need it most.
The review will examine the program's current service delivery arrangements, effectiveness, sustainability and future design, identifying opportunities to strengthen the program and ensure it remains responsive to changing community needs.
Transport for NSW will conduct targeted consultation with community transport providers, customers, councils, health organisations and sector representatives to help shape the program's future. The review is expected to conclude in mid-2027.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads and Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison:
"Community transport is a lifeline for thousands of people across NSW, particularly in regional communities where people often need to travel long distances to access services.
"After more than a decade without a major review, we're making sure this vital program continues to deliver the right support, in the right places, for the people who need it most.
"Transport for NSW will work closely with passengers, providers and communities to strengthen the program and ensure it remains sustainable and responsive for years to come."
