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The critical link between investment in transport infrastructure and regional development was highlighted at the 25th Australasian Transport Research Forum (ATRF) in Canberra today.
The Forum promotes excellence in transport research and is the nation's most respected gathering of transport industry researchers and developers.
The relationship between transport and regional areas is critical and affects a number of industries as well as the financial and social well being of communities.
Focusing on regional infrastructure, Adam Sidebottom of the Bureau of Transport and Regional Economic (BTRE) presented findings on public transport in regional areas.
"Access to long-distance public transport services is vital for many people living in regional areas," Mr Sidebottom said.
"While there have been concerns about public transport services in regional areas, there has been little quantitative research conducted into inter-regional public transport services in Australia.
"This paper looked at the geographic coverage of existing regional public transport services in Australia in 2000-01 and found that a relatively high proportion of people living in population centres of 200 people or more have access to an inter-regional public transport service."
Tony Slatyer, Executive Director of the BTRE said that the Forum provided an opportunity to address present and emerging issues in the transport industry.
"The Forum is about focusing on tangible improvements to transport in Australia," Mr Slatyer said.
"It is a unique opportunity for transport researchers, planners, policy analysts and decision makers to discuss experiences and recent findings."
More than 50 papers will be presented at the 25th ATRF in the exchange and development of solutions to issues facing the transport industry in Australia and neighbouring regions. The Forum will be held from 2 to 4 October 2002.
The BTRE operates within the Commonwealth Department of Transport and Regional Services, undertaking applied economic research on current and emerging policy issues of interest to portfolio responsibilities.
For more information about the ATRF please visit www.btre.gov.au
Media contact: Anna Tannock ph: 02 6274 6843
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