Reducing transport barriers to accessing education

Transport is viewed as a major barrier to participation in education for Wodonga TAFE's current and prospective students, as well as the north east Victoria region. 

Regional and remote communities have a significant disadvantage regarding education opportunities, as opposed to their metropolitan counterparts.
This disadvantage increases within remote communities and local government areas (LGAs) in the region, such as Indigo, Towong, and Alpine Shires.

While these communities continue to remain disconnected via public transport, communities and industries will become even more isolated and placed at greater disadvantage for accessing education.

In order to increase participation in education, public transport in these regions needs positive change.

Local media articles regarding this issue can be accessed here: ABC Goulburn Murray | Bordermail

Wodonga TAFE’s McKoy Street and Logic campuses welcome over 4000 students every year, and are the places of work for over 400 staff. 

Inaccessibility can greatly affect a person’s life. Wodonga TAFE commissioned an internal report to identify the transport issues facing our current and prospective students, staff, and the community. Research was conducted through consulting internal and external stakeholders in face-to-face meetings.

Case Study: Current apprentice (16 years old, living in Yackandandah)

Family home in Dinner Plains, relocates to grandfather's house in Yackandandah for TAFE weeks (block release).
 
Morning trip 
Was catching 7.45am bus from Yackandandah to Water Tower, High Street Wodonga, arriving at 8.15am 
Catches connecting bus from Water Tower, High Street Wodonga to Wodonga TAFE McKoy Street, then walks to Trades Training Centre. Arrives at Trades Training Centre at 8.40am, 40 minutes late for class which starts 8am. 

Afternoon trip 
Student would need to leave Wodonga TAFE at 2.30pm to catch the bus back to Yackandandah. This is 2 hours prior to class finishing at 4.30pm and over a week would equate to missing a full day of TAFE.
 
Student's grandfather is now driving student to TAFE. This requires him to make two trips each day. Student started in March 2023 and will not be able to gain licence and drive to TAFE until June 2024 at the earliest. Significant impact on Grandfather. 

Wodonga TAFE is resourcing and actioning improvements to transport and transport information that are within our scope. However, there’s much that can be done to benefit the whole community.

Wodonga TAFE’s actions include:

• creating clear and accessible maps available to our students.
• further highlighting public transport information to our students.
• reviewing and updating wayfinding signage throughout our campuses.
• creating opportunities for short-term stays within our student accommodation to alleviate public transport reliance for rural and remote students.
• exploring funding options through the Flexible Local Transport Solution Program run by the Victorian Government.
• arranging roundtable discussions with like-minded organisations to investigate potential jointly funded solutions and opportunities i.e., a  shuttle bus and/or mobility van.
• supporting transport alternative transport options i.e., bicycle infrastructure, Driver Education programs.
• advocating for students with key stakeholders that can introduce change into local public transport, i.e., Public Transport Victoria, transport contractors, and Wodonga City Council.

Wodonga Education First Youth Foyer is to be an accommodation facility, housing 40 studio bedrooms for youth, experiencing or at risk of, homelessness. Participants will undertake funded training at their provider of choice, enabling them to develop their skills in preparation for entering the workforce. Many of this cohort will not have access to a private vehicle, will have financial constraints, and will be relying heavily on public transport to and from the facility for education and employment purposes.

Learn more about the Education First Youth Foyer