COTA SA welcomes the development of a long-term Public Transport Strategy and Regional Review for South Australia and strongly supports the ambition to create a connected, safe, and sustainable transport system. As the peak body representing older South Australians, we advocate for a strategy that places ageing well, equity and accessibility at its core.

Older people are among the most frequent and dependent users of public transport. Reliable, accessible, and affordable transport is essential for maintaining independence; being an active participant in the community as workers, volunteers, carers and consumers; accessing health services; and maintaining social connection. Our submission highlights five core priorities:

• recognising older people as a key user group with specific requirements
• addressing regional transport inequities
• making services truly accessible and building confidence
• bridging the digital divide
• supporting mobile health and aged care workers.

We urge the Strategy to adopt an age-inclusive planning lens, and invest in solutions that support older people to live well, remain active, and age in place. By doing so, South Australia can deliver a transport system that serves not only older people but all South Australians — now and into the future.

In responding to the 30 Year Transport Strategy in December 2024, COTA SA outlined the needs and concerns of older people, and we reiterate some of the points from that submission below.

We welcome the opportunity now to contribute to the development of South Australia’s Public Transport Strategy and accompanying Regional Review. As a voice representing more than 700,000 older South Australians, we are committed to ensuring that public policy reflects the realities and aspirations of our ageing population — and transport is central to this.