Telebus mobility and access benefits research: final report

The Telebus is a unique service that operates in the outer east suburbs of Melbourne. It offers a combination of fixed route services, and demand responsive services which enable passengers to be picked up or dropped off anywhere in the Telebus zone for a small surcharge. This study was conducted to review the Telebus service and specifically measure the benefits of the service at both the individual and community level. The study area covered seven Telebus service zones, as well as compatible suburbs in the outer east of Melbourne with fixed route bus services and small pockets of areas currently without any bus services. The project consisted of a telephone survey of the residents living in the study area, a face to face survey with Telebus users as well as fixed route bus users, and focus group discussions with bus users and non users. In addition, in-depth interviews with stakeholders were conducted as part of the project to provide insights that may not have been achieved via the telephone and onboard surveys. The Telebus offers many benefits to individuals and the wider community. These benefits, both direct and indirect, were recognised and understood by Telebus users as well as conventional bus users and the community in the study area.