Can using buses help people’s overall health and fitness? That’s what researchers from the Univer­sity of Tasmania’s Menzies Insti­tute for Medical Research want to find out. The Get BusActive! study aims to reveal what motivates peo­ple to catch the bus, and how bus use improves physical activity.

Public transport use has been linked to more physical activity, with users walking up to thirty minutes per day on average. Associate Professor Verity Cleland explained that short walks to and from the bus stop and through­out the day all add up to promote good health. “We know that just thirty minutes of activity per day dramatically increases life expec­tancy, keeps our hearts, bones, and minds healthy, creates more connected and safer communities, and is good for the environment.”

“While many people want to walk and cycle, our cities have been designed with cars in mind,” Verity said. “With less than half of all Australians classed as physically active, we really want to find out what drives people to catch the bus and how bus use improves physi­cal activity.”

The study is using a rewards program – a bit like a frequent shopper scheme – to encourage increased bus use. All eligible Tasmanians will receive $100 for taking part, and half of the volun­teers will receive Metro Greencard credit for meeting weekly bus trip targets. Anyone over the age of 15 who lives in an area of Launces­ton, Burnie, or Hobart serviced by a Metro bus service, and who currently uses a motor vehicle for trips that could be taken by bus is encouraged to apply at www.getbusactive.com.au.

Menzies researchers were granted $750,000 by the Medical Research Future Fund to do the research in partnership with Metro Tasmania, the Tasmanian Department of Health, the Tasmanian Collaboration for Health Improvement, and the Local Government Association of Tasmania.