FIVE train services a day to Melbourne and better bus links with country towns have been listed as priorities for improving public transport in south-west Victoria.
More frequent bus services to suit workers, students, the elderly and disabled were also listed along with the need to give rural leaders more control over determining how government money is spent.
Yesterday's People and Transport forum in Warrnambool drew 85 participants from as far as Melbourne and Geelong to put forward ideas on how to create better and more sustainable transport systems.
Keynote speaker Professor John Stanley set the agenda by stressing the importance of good transport links to quality of life and social inclusion.
He also pushed for more decentralisation and empowerment of regional communities to decide how government funds should be spent.
"Poor mobility cuts people off from services," he said.
"Regional access to essential services is much lower than in metropolitan areas. Everyone has the right to transport."
He said the minimum service level in small towns was two to three services each morning and afternoon and at least a daily return service to a regional centre.
The school bus network needed to be made more available to rural communities and there should be all-weather vehicle access.
"Clearly we need to use the school bus network more," he said.
"I'd like to see government money allocations put into rural communities for them to decide how it is spent. Regional and rural empowerment is vital."
Professor Stanley predicted a swing to new charges for road vehicles based on distance travelled to reflect the rising cost of congestion, pollution and road damage.
"The costs are twice what we collect from vehicle users," he said. Professor Stanley said the existing system of fuel tax and registration charges was inadequate and he predicted Australia would switch to a system of charging per kilometre in the next five to 10 years, starting with road freight.
"The Dutch are introducing a new system using GPS in all vehicles where they charge per kilometre depending on the time and where they travel," he said.
"I think that's the way we need to go in Australia."
He said the Dutch system would be equivalent to five cents a kilometre rising to 12 cents a kilometre.
This user-pays system would be higher in metropolitan areas to reflect the congestion costs, he said.
During an interview with The Standard away from the forum he said he doubted if the Princes Highway west would gain top priority for government funding.
"I think the primary focus will be on the long-distance routes like the Western Highway and the Hume Highway," he said.
Professor Stanley praised the south-west Transport Connections project which involves the six regional municipalities.
He said it was an example of grassroots initiative and had lessons for the rest of Australia.
Another keynote speaker, Gilbert Rochecouste, suggested revitalisation of small towns would make them more viable and more desirable places to live.
Project facilitator and forum organiser Garry Moorfield said recommendations from yesterday's discussions would help gain government funds for improving transport.
"Today's forum shows how the community can be active in seeking answers. Just whingeing will not bring new ideas," he said.
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