Griffith University Thesis

Highlights a Path Forward for Community Transport,

validating the Orcoda Model

Orcoda extends its sincere congratulations to Daniel Clarke, Research Assistant at Griffith University’s Cities Research Institute, on the completion of his insightful and timely honours thesis, Transforming Community Transport. Daniel’s comprehensive research provides a crucial, evidence-based analysis of the systemic challenges facing Australia’s community transport (CT) sector and validates the innovative, collaborative approach championed by Orcoda.

We are proud to see our ORCODA Community Transport platform identified as a key technological solution helping the sector navigate a complex landscape and build a more sustainable future.

The Challenge: A System Under Strain

Daniel Clarke’s thesis expertly diagnoses a core issue within the CT sector: the shift to person-centric funding models like the NDIS, while well-intentioned, created competition in a field that operates as a natural spatial monopoly. This fragmentation has led to significant operational inefficiencies, with multiple providers servicing the same areas, resulting in vehicles running with minimal passengers, costly ‘dead-legging’ (trips with no clients), and an increased financial burden on clients, operators, and taxpayers.

The research is the first to visually map the convoluted funding pathways from the NDIS and CHSP, highlighting a confusing system that presents challenges for operators trying to run a sustainable service.

The Solution: Technology-Driven Collaboration

Clarke’s research reveals that the path to overcoming these challenges lies in technological innovation and greater collaboration between operators. The thesis singles out the

ORCODA Community Transport (OCT) platform as a leading example of this transformation in action.

By studying innovative operators like TransitCare and St John Ambulance (STJA) who use the OCT platform, the research confirms the profound impact of our technology:

• Massive Efficiency Gains: The OCT algorithm automates and optimises scheduling at a scale impossible to do manually. STJA noted that our platform can process 3,000 iterations of a schedule in about five minutes, a task that previously took their team five to eight hours per day.
• Increased Capacity: Our partner TransitCare now aggregates hundreds of trips in just a couple of hours, a process that used to take an entire day, allowing them to significantly expand the number of trips they can deliver with existing resources.
• Smarter, Shared Journeys: The platform consolidates clients from different operators into shared vehicles, maximising occupancy and reducing the total number of vehicles on the road. This not only cuts costs but also reduces carbon emissions.

Beyond the Algorithm: Empowering the Human Connection

A key insight from the thesis is that technology must enhance, not replace, the “community” aspect of community transport. Many clients, particularly older Australians, value the social connection of booking a trip over the phone with a call centre team.

At Orcoda, we wholeheartedly agree. Our technology is not designed to remove the human touch; it is designed to empower it. By automating the complex, time-consuming tasks of scheduling and routing, the OCT platform frees up valuable staff resources. This allows operators to focus on what they do best: providing exceptional, person-to-person care and building the trusted relationships that are the bedrock of this essential service.

A Vision for the Future

Daniel Clarke’s work provides an invaluable, independent validation of the model Orcoda has long advocated for. One that combines intelligent technology with inter-operator collaboration to create a more efficient, sustainable, and just transport system for our most vulnerable citizens.

We once again congratulate Daniel on this outstanding academic achievement and his passionate advocacy for a more accessible world. His research offers a clear roadmap for the future, and Orcoda is committed to helping operators across Australia make that vision a reality.

To learn more about how the Orcoda Community Transport platform can transform your operations, contact our team today on 1300 672 632