Peak Oil, Petrol Prices and Climate Change: Impact on Rural Communities Andrew Wear Manager Transport Connections

Transport and isolation It’s humiliating having to always beg someone to drive you somewhere, especially if it takes them out of their way. As a result, I usually just stay home. Source: RACV

Transport in rural areas - context Ageing population Little public transport Large distances to services & facilities Declining rural populations Strong communities Underutilised transport assets

Those who can drive & can afford to Currently Drive as required Offer lifts to others when convenient Impact of rising petrol prices Likely to drive less May share more lifts May transition to more efficient vehicles May transition to fewer vehicles per household May start to use transport alternatives where available

Those who drive, but suffer economic stress Currently Drive where necessary & possible Avoid driving where possible Regularly share lifts Single car households common Use alternatives where available Impact of rising petrol prices Likely to drive less, or less often May transition to fewer vehicles per household More focus on sharing lifts or combining trips Financial impact in other areas May stop driving altogether Greater reliance on alternatives Restricted mobility when alternatives not available

Those who don’t drive Currently Use alternatives where available Restricted mobility when alternatives not available Impact of rising petrol prices May be more reluctant to rely on others Potentially fewer drivers & vehicles to rely on Restricted mobility when alternatives not available

Implications 1.Greater demand for new and existing transport services 2.Increasing importance of informal and formal networks 3.Continued rural population decline 4.Potential for compounding disadvantage

The challenge Develop new ways of maintaining mobility. Think beyond “Cars OR public transport”