Volunteers needed: Research into health benefits of catching a Metro bus

Can catching the bus lead to a healthier community? Menzies Institute researcher Dr Verity Cleland wants your help to find the answer.

Dr Verity Cleland, from the Menzies Institute for Medical Research, is looking for people to volunteer for a study about the health benefits of using buses. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

VERITY Cleland wants Hobart residents’ help with research into bus use that could have health and lifestyle benefits for cities around the country.

It’s acknowledged that getting more people out of their cars and on to public transport would ease Hobart’s traffic congestion, but could it also lead to a healthier community?

The Sunday Tasmanian reported in February that Dr Cleland was launching a study of how people use buses, including what incentives could encourage more on to the Metro bus network.

SUPPORT FOR A HOBART FERRY SERVICE

Now, in the next stage of her work, she is calling volunteers to participate in a 10-month study to help her explore the potential health benefits of catching a bus.

“We expect that more bus travel will increase incidental physical activity through walking trips to and from bus stops, and less reliance on cars for short trips,” Dr Cleland, from the Menzies Institute for Medical Research, said.

Dr Cleland’s work so far has shown there is room for improvement in Hobart bus use, but that those who do catch a bus are getting a positive healthy spin-off.

She said the Hobart results could be applied to other cities around Australia.

“We know that people use who public transport are more physically active than those who use private motor vehicles. Regular physical activity dramatically decreases the risk of premature death, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and mental health problems,” she said.

“But less than half of all Tasmanians are active at recommended levels [150 minutes a week]. “Adding just a short 5-10 minute walk to the bus stop say on five days a week would contribute up to a third of our weekly physical activity target.”

The study is being undertaken with Metro Tasmania, the Tasmanian Department of Health/State Government and the Local Government Association of Tasmania.

Half of the study’s participants will receive Metro Greencard credit for meeting weekly bus trip targets, over a four-month period.

All study participants will each receive up to $30 in Metro Greencard credit as a thank you for participating. They will also be entitled to three free Menzies health checks and a free smartphone app specially designed to help keep track of travel behaviour.

The study is open to people living in the greater Hobart region who are aged 18 or older and who currently catch the bus twice a week or less.

For more information on the study, call [phone] or go to: https://tinyurl.com/trips4health