Unreliable, unsafe, unaffordable, or just not there at all; kids give their verdict on why public transport doesn’t work

South Aussie youngsters are rejecting public transport, new research reveals, as experts weigh in on the true cost of the problem.

Fransine Ndayikengurukiye, Hannah Ismail, and Denzel James at the Victoria Square Tram Station in Adelaide. Picture: Matt Loxton

A state government report into why young people don’t use public transport has recommended free travel to and from school, sport and community activities.

Commissioner for Children and Young People Helen Connolly has told The Advertiser her Safe and Sound report found much resistance to public transport use by South Australians aged 13 to 20 years.

“Free public transport to some activities would help young people from low-income families,’’ she said.

“Doing so would help to significantly reduce the impact of transport disadvantage on the children and young people in these families.”

As well as free transport for low-income families, the report recommends;

BETTER street lighting.

BETTER safety lighting at shelters and near bus stops.

MORE frequent bus, tram and train services.

BETTER synchronicity of connections for safety.

UPGRADE shelters.

FREE Wi-Fi on all public transport and at train stations.

One survey respondent Denzel James, 17, said it might be tough for students to pay for public transport fees if both parents are low-income earners.

“Young people can struggle to even get to school by public transport in general as (they) don’t have enough money to continuously refill cards.

Sometimes you can find the bus drivers, who are able to assist and let me catch the bus.”

Commissioner Connolly said: “Young people’s access to a full range of reliable, consistent

and integrated transport options is not just a ‘nice to have’ – it is an essential component of their full participation in society as active and engaged citizens”.

The survey, filled in by 1124 young people, found bad public transport unfairly impacts young women, LGBTQI+ people, and those living with disability.

Some of the young people reported instances of sexual harassment, anti-social behaviour, and crime, and wanted CCTV protection.

“With the cost of living pressures, many more families cannot afford public or private transport at the moment, which means many more children and young people are missing out on their education, sport, jobs, and other important activities,’’ Commissioner Connelly said.

“The survey revealed just how reliant on others — parents, grandparents, siblings, friends’ parents — young people are for their transport needs.”

Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis said the report was being considered by government.

“The State Government has taken positive measures geared towards encouraging children and young people to utilise public transport for their travel needs,” he said.

“This includes adding a dedicated bike carriage to the Belair line service, which has been hugely popular with mountain bike riders who use the service to access Adelaide Hills riding trails.

“We welcome the Commissioner’s report and will consider its recommendations.”