The school bus: An opportunity for improving rural mobility.

Many rural Australians are at risk of social exclusion and lower wellbeing due to poor accessibility options. This paper notes how rural transport disadvantage can increase a person's risk of social exclusion and points to the high costs associated therewith. It argues for a coordinated and shared response to local rural transport, using the example of wider use being made of dedicated school bus services to improve rural mobility choices and associated social inclusion. Barriers to opening up the school bus to a broader range of passengers are reviewed and expected benefits are identified, supporting wider use. • Transport disadvantage adversely impacts personal wellbeing in rural Victoria, Australia. • Rural transport disadvantage often co-exists alongside resources that could ease disadvantage. • Wider use of dedicated school buses can improve rural mobility opportunities. • Arguments of risks of child abuse from such wider use of school buses are unfounded. • The presence of others on school buses may reduce bullying on the bus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]