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BATBUS
An Innovative Model for Affordable and Accessible Transport for the Youth of Byron Shire.

Needs

• Transport consistently identified in consultations as major concern for young people in rural areas.
  
• Byron Shire has little or no public transport to isolated pockets of rural settlement.
  
• Young people typically have low incomes, no license yet want to do social activities.

Geographical and Sociological Area

• Byron Shire is in the far north east of N.S.W. a rural area with small towns.
  
• Many houses in isolated rural land with virtually no public transport.
  
• Large increase in population due to migration from other areas but the infrastructure hasn’t caught up. High % of population on low income.

History

• 3 community groups worked together in 1992:
  
• Community Transport
  
• Byron Youth Services
  
• Department of Community Services.
  
• Successfully applied for Area Assistance Scheme funding – after 2 years received ongoing pickup funding through Department of Transport.

How it works

• Coordinator responds to calls with small on call time which minimizes wages.
  
• Over 50% of passengers need to be 12 - 25 year olds. Minimum 8 people local trip and 10 people for longer distances.
  
• Buses go to pickup points at time required, including houses and other convenient points,
• BAT provides a bus to order.
  
• Small fare is collected to help offset costs.

Bus Hire and Vehicle Options

• Self Drive Buses and Vans - Our Drivers
  
• Charter from Private Bus Companies
  
• Volunteer’s comprehensively insured cars
  
• Hire Taxis
  
• Brokerage of community buses and from Tourist operators

Where the Batbus Goes

• Movies, Theatres, Restaurants
  
• Theme Parks, Alcohol free Concerts
  
• Roller-skating, Ice-skating, Skateboard Parks, Whale Watching
  
• Beaches and Picnics
  
• Bushwalking and Camping
  
• Youth Group Outings and other places.

Where The Batbus Doesn’t Go

• Licensed Venues
  
• Outings With Alcohol or Drugs e.g. Private Parties, Raves
  
• School Excursions
  
• Competing runs with Existing Bus Services

Volunteers

• The Unsung Heroes
  
• Community minded, bus license, like young people and have lots of free time? – have we got a job for you!
  
  
• Drivers
  • Have Bus Driver Licenses.
  • Have Volunteer Procedural Training and Assessment.
  • Have suitable skills and values for working with young people and sign Prohibited
  • Person Declaration.
  • Receive small financial reimbursement for meals and mileage costs to cover expenses.
  
  
• Chaperones
  • License unnecessary.
  • Need to have good communication skills - to be cool under pressure yet able to be assertive.
  • Have volunteer Procedural Training and Assessment.
  • Sign Prohibited Person Declaration.
  • Receive same reimbursement package as drivers.

Committees

• Management Committee
  • Advises on policy and overview of service.
  • Receive statistics, financial and service reports.
  • Meets monthly at coffee shop.
  • Has representation from Youth Committee.
    
    
• Youth Committee
  • Meets monthly at lunchtime at school.
  • Advises on policy.
  • Provides feedback from young people.
  • Networks with other High School students.
  • Rotates representation on Management Committee.

Benefits

• Service operates on small budget.
  
• Overheads are low - no vehicle maintenance, insurance or unnecessary kilometres and hours.
  
• Provides transport specifically for time, pick up points, destination and group size as needed.
  
• Maximises use of resources by using buses outside normal times - no loafing around in garages.
  
• Provides a much needed community service for hundreds of happy, funloving young people each year.

Shortcomings

• Young people need to be organised and get more than 8 people together to travel. This can mean a high cancellation rate.
  
• No room for spontaneity or short notice.
  
• Worker employed for small weekly hours.
  
• Cannot go to licensed venues, sporting club competitions, school excursions or educational training.
  
• Doesn’t meet needs of other groups such as older people or those needing a booze bus.

Funding

• Funding received through the Department of Transport of approximately $23,500 per annum.
  
• Some income generated by charging low fares.
  
• Small amount of income generated by community fund raising.

Current Status

• Successful program with high community regard.
  
• Sister projects of Yaxi and Yowie in Ballina and Lismore Shires, modelled on service.
  
• Balances funding by limiting types of activities to social only.

Where to From Here.

• BAT needs to maintain publicity in Shire so that new generations of young people are aware of service.
  
• The Batbus used as a model for new services wishing to provide flexible transport options.
  
• Brochures are available here for more information.