Yarram Community Bus – Strategic Summary

Flexible Local Transport Solutions (FLTS) Program – Victoria

1. Project Overview

A Yarram Community Bus will establish Yarram as the central transport node for a flexible, community-focused transport service connecting surrounding rural and coastal communities with local, regional and state transport networks.

The project will deliver a staged, demand-responsive community bus model designed to reduce transport disadvantage, improve access to essential services, and strengthen social and economic participation across the district. The service will integrate with existing V/Line services to Melbourne and Traralgon, positioning Yarram as a key regional interchange.

This initiative aligns with the objectives of the Victorian Government’s Flexible Local Transport Solutions (FLTS) program by delivering a locally designed, place-based transport response to identified community need.

2. Problem Statement

Residents living in the Yarram district and surrounding settlements experience limited access to reliable public transport. Low population density, dispersed communities and long travel distances create barriers to accessing essential services, employment, education and social opportunities.

Existing transport options do not adequately meet the needs of vulnerable community members, particularly:

  • Older residents, including those with mobility limitations or disabilities

  • Young people without independent transport

  • Residents experiencing social or economic disadvantage

Without improved transport options, these communities face increased social isolation, reduced access to health and support services, and limited participation in regional opportunities.

3. Evidence of Need

Key indicators supporting the need for intervention include:

  • Rural and coastal settlements with limited or no regular public transport services

  • Ageing population trends across the district, increasing demand for accessible transport

  • Youth reliance on external transport for education, employment and social participation

  • Dependence on private vehicles as the primary mode of travel

  • Identified barriers to accessing regional centres such as Sale and broader network connections

Community consultation and local stakeholder feedback consistently highlight transport access as a critical enabler of wellbeing, independence and community participation.

4. Service Area

The service will connect Yarram with surrounding communities including:Woodside, Woodside Beach, McLoughlins Beach, Manns Beach, Port Albert, Robertsons Beach, Langsborough, Alberton, Gelliondale, Welshpool, Binginwarri, Staceys Bridge, Jack River, Devon North, Tarra Valley and Carrajung.

5. Service Model and Key Functions

A. Regional Access Service (Local Catchment)

A regular community transport service (initially 2–3 days per week) will connect surrounding townships to Yarram to support access to:

  • Shopping and essential services

  • Health and community services

  • Social and recreational activities

  • Local businesses and civic participation

This service will reduce transport barriers while reinforcing Yarram’s role as a local service centre.

B. Yarram–Sale Connector (NOTE: Only if we cannot get V/Line to extend their Southern Cross - Yarram service to Sale)

A scheduled service (initially 1–2 times per week) will provide access to Sale for:

  • Specialist and hospital-based healthcare

  • Government and professional services

  • Education, training and employment

  • Regional retail and community opportunities

C. Integrated Public Transport Connections

A core design principle is alignment with existing regional transport services. Timetabling will:

  • Coordinate with V/Line bus services to and from Melbourne

  • Support connections to Traralgon and the regional rail network

  • Minimise transfer wait times

  • Enable practical same-day return travel where possible

This approach improves network efficiency and expands mobility options without duplicating existing services.

6. Target Cohorts

The service will prioritise:

  • Older people, including those with disability or reduced mobility

  • Young people accessing education, employment and social activities

  • Residents experiencing transport disadvantage

Accessibility, safety and affordability will guide service design and vehicle selection.

7. Delivery Approach

Implementation will occur in staged phases:

Phase 1 – Establishment

  • Community consultation and route design

  • Coordination with V/Line schedules

  • Vehicle procurement and accessibility readiness

Phase 2 – Pilot Delivery

  • Launch of limited weekly services

  • Monitoring patronage and transfer performance

  • Continuous stakeholder feedback

Phase 3 – Optimisation and Sustainability

  • Route and timetable refinement based on demand

  • Evaluation of service frequency expansion

  • Development of long-term operational partnerships and funding pathways

 

8. Outcomes Framework

Transport Access: Improved mobility for isolated communities

Social Inclusion: Reduced isolation and increased community participation

Health & Wellbeing: Improved access to medical and support services

Youth Participation: Better access to education, employment and activities

Regional Connectivity: Stronger links to Sale, Traralgon and Melbourne

Economic Benefit: Increased visitation and activity in Yarram

System Integration: Improved alignment between local and state transport networks

 

9. Measures of Success

Success will be monitored through:

  • Passenger numbers and repeat usage

  • Number of successful V/Line transfer connections

  • Increased access to key services

  • User satisfaction and community feedback

  • Participation levels among priority groups

  • Evidence of reduced transport barriers

10. Strategic Alignment with FLTS

The Yarram Community Bus aligns strongly with the objectives and priorities of the Flexible Local Transport Solutions (FLTS) program by delivering a locally designed transport response that improves connectivity, supports inclusive participation and strengthens long-term regional sustainability. The proposal demonstrates clear social, economic and strategic benefits by:

  • Supporting community growth through improved access to services, shopping, health care and social opportunities, helping maintain liveability across smaller rural and coastal communities.

  • Enabling future employment and skill development by improving transport access to education, training, apprenticeships and employment opportunities in Yarram, Sale, Traralgon and beyond.

  • Reducing transport disadvantage for older people, young people and residents with limited mobility, increasing equity and participation across the region.

  • Strengthening Yarram as a regional service hub, supporting local businesses and encouraging greater economic activity within the township.

  • Promoting future investment by establishing foundational transport infrastructure that improves regional connectivity and increases confidence for community services, business expansion and population retention.

  • Providing a scalable, flexible model that can adapt to changing demand and support long-term transport planning outcomes aligned with state and regional strategies.

Potential Routes

ROUTE 1 - COASTAL

Yarram - Woodside – Woodside Beach – McLoughlins Beach – Manns Beach – Tarraville – Robertsons Beach – Port Albert – Langsborough – Alberton – Yarram



ROUTE 2 – EASTERN HILLS

Yarram – Alberton – Gelliondale – Alberton West – Binginwarri – Staceys Bridge – Jack River – Devon North – Yarram




ROUTE 3 – STRZELECKIS

Yarram – Won Wron - Carrajung – Carrajung South – Woodside North – Woodside – Yarram




ROUTE 4 – SALE (If V/Line can’t/won’t extend their service to Sale)

Yarram – Woodside – Giffard West – Stradbroke – Longford – Sale – Yarram

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