Tag: bus contracts

Maroondah Journal: Bus cuts criticised

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Due to summer timetables which take effect on bus routes operated by the former National Bus Company (now Ventura), bus passengers and public transport users face severe restrictions in their mobility over the summer.

The Maroondah Journal has reported on the punitive summer timetable cuts and their effect on public transport users:

Cr Alex Makin said bus routes in Maroondah were “seriously reduced” over summer months because of Ventura National’s “unique” contract.

Summer timetables, which take effect on the former National bus routes, are in operation between the 24th of December and the 11th of January. This often results in a half hourly bus route being reduced to just an hourly service, severely crippling Maroondah’s mobility.

“We are talking about a 50 per cent reduction, across any Ventura bus route in Maroondah. This affects 75 per cent of the municipality. It certainly severely limits people’s mobility to get out and partake in Maroondah’s recreational activities”.

Due to contractual oddities with the former National Bus network, summer timetables only affect Maroondah and Manningham, which are predominantly serviced by National Bus routes. There is a need for uniform bus contracts which remove the potential of punitive summer timetables.

“There is a huge need for the State Government to implement a uniform contract for all bus operators.”

Uniform contracts would prevent seasonal variations and also stipulate uniform operating hours and frequencies.

Maroondah Leader: Holiday schedule causes delays

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The ad hoc implementation of summer timetables demonstrates that the extent of the poor integration faced with Melbourne’s public transport. With buses, trams and trains all having differing summer timetable dates overall coordination and ease of use is restricted during the ‘summer timetable period’.

The Maroondah Leader has reported on the effects that summer timetables have for Maroondah residents who are largely served by National bus services.

PUBLIC transport users say Maroondah commuters face long waiting times over summer because train, tram and bus schedules are out of sync.

Of particular concern is the fact that bus routes formerly operated by National Bus Company (and now operated by Ventura) have punitive off-peak service cutbacks meaning that passengers that want to use public transport for recreational trips (such as students) are faced with a mere hourly service.

Alex Makin, a Maroondah councillor and vice-president of the Public Transport Users Association, has called for an end to summer timetables and service cutbacks.

“The Ventura-owned National Bus Company, the main operator in Maroondah, is on a summer timetable for most of January,” Cr Makin said. “This means bus services are out of step with train arrivals and departures.

“An already poor service is, in effect, unusable.”

Melbourne’s metropolitan bus contracts are to be renewed this year, meaning the State Government is a unique and rare opportunity to end the haphazard and detrimental impact of off-peak service cuts on Melbourne’s bus routes.

“The problem is that reductions to train and tram services usually only affect peak hour runs, whereas bus operators cut their services by about 50 per cent across the board.”

While there may be a slight reduction in peak-hour travel, there is huge potential ensure that public transport is able to cater to the increased demand of recreational travel, particularly for students who are often managing a part time job and socialising.

Mr Makin said public transport operators should be aware that cutbacks created social isolation and made it difficult for secondary and tertiary students to work part-time or enjoy their holidays.

These off-peak service cuts could be a thing of the past, if the Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky, takes the initiative to remove such oddities from our public transport contracts.

Media Release: Summer Timetables Lack Consistency

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Due to an oddity in the former National Bus contracts, Maroondah residents are particularly hard-hit by summer timetables that result in half services being cut back to an hour:

MEDIA RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION
Wednesday, 17 January 2007

Summer Timetables lack Consistency

The Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) has called for a permanent end to Summer’ service cutbacks and consistent timetables throughout the summer period.

“There is currently no consistency between the summer timetables used on the train and tram network and the summer timetables used for buses”, said PTUA Vice-President Alex Makin. “In addition the detrimental service cutbacks experienced on buses means that an already poor service becomes, in effect, unusable.”

While other bus operators generally operate a summer holiday timetable on just Christmas Day, Ventura owned National Bus Company, the main operator within Maroondah, operates a Summer Holiday Timetable for most of January, due to differing contractual standards.

“Since all metropolitan bus contracts will be renewed this is year it is imperative that the State Government removes the use of detrimental summer holiday timetables”, said Mr. Makin. “Current arrangements simply make it difficult for Maroondah residents to use public transport.”

While Melbourne’s train and tram network also operate on an altered timetable, generally only peak hour services are affected. The summer bus timetable experienced in Maroondah on National Bus routes roughly cuts off-peak services by 50%, meaning that a 30-minute service becomes hourly.

“While demand for travel to educational facilities and employment may decrease over the summer period, demand for recreational travel, particularly for students on holidays, increases. Cutbacks to already poor bus services simply creates social isolation and hampers the ability for students to seek part-time work or to enjoy their summer holidays”, concluded Mr. Makin.

About the Public Transport Users Association (PTUA):
Founded in 1976, the PTUA is the recognised consumer organisation representing passengers of public transport. The PTUA is a non-profit, voluntary organisation with no political affiliation, which lobbies governments and public transport authorities in the interest of all users of public transport.

ALL MEDIA COMMENTS: ALEX MAKIN ON 0409 136 213
– ENDS –

Herald-Sun: Tram, train, bus tangle

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The Herald-Sun has reported on the confusion that will ensue due to service cutbacks on public transport over most of January:

The annual Christmas present from public transport operators will include slashed train, tram and bus services for at least six weeks until mid-January.

Unfortunately the persistence of the summer timetable has demonstrated the continued failure of the State Government to operate a public transport system that reflects modern needs. In particular many students, who are on holidays over January, require reliable and frequent public transport to ensure access to employment and recreation.

But the Public Transport Users Association has attacked operators and the Government for again reducing the number of services over Christmas.

“There is no basis today for the continuation of the summer timetable, particularly one that is so drastically reduced,” vice-president Alex Makin said.

“The bureaucrats aren’t keeping up with modern trends and they’re not challenging the system to reflect modern needs. Particularly with flexible working hours, Melbourne does try to function as a 24-hour city.”

Like in previous years there has been a failure to properly integrate the service cutbacks to ensure that the modified train, tram and bus services have at the very least a consistent a start and finishing date. This lack of coordination demonstrates once again the failure to view public transport as part of an integrated network.

With bus contracts to be reviewed in 2007 there is an opportunity to ensure consistency across the bus network. In particular the former National bus routes (which includes bus routes in Manningham, Maroondah and Whitehorse), operate on a completely separate to the rest of the bus network resulting in the poor integration that is rife throughout metropolitan Melbourne.

Dandenong Community Cabinet

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As the branch convener of the outer east branch of the Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) I, alongside Cr. Roz Blades from the City of Greater Dandenong and June Whitton, the co-convener of the PTUA south east branch attended the Dandenong Community Cabinet to seek a delegate with Transport Minister Peter Batchelor.

In a complete contrast the Maroondah Community Cabinet in 2005, Minister Batchelor was rather courteous and seemed appreciative to hear the PTUA’s input and requests to improve public transport within the outer suburbs.

Minister Batchelor offered a glimmer of hope through the Transport and Liveability Statement stating that it would provide a framework and funding towards new bus contracts resulting in streamlined bus routes and improved services.

There is growing speculation regarding the Transport and Liveability Statement and it must be hoped that the State Government finally delivers on the promises it has made towards public transport.

MX: Bus overhaul needed

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Media Release – Monday 20 February 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION

Bus Network Needs Radical Overhaul


The Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) is demanding that the State Government overhaul Melbourne’s bus network as part of its upcoming Transport and Liveability Statement and through the renewal bus contracts in 2007.

“Melbourne’s current bus network is antiquated and unable to cater to the needs of modern society,” PTUA spokesman Alex Makin said. “With outdated route structures that have not been reviewed in decades and a complex web of routes, Melbourne’s bus routes are both infrequent and inconvenient.”

The call to overhaul Melbourne’s bus network comes amid rising speculation that the upcoming Transport and Liveability Statement will include a substantial injection of funds for Melbourne’s bus network. All contracts awarded to Melbourne’s bus franchises are due to be renewed in 2007 providing the rare opportunity for a radical overhaul.

“As transport advocates we are tired of hitting our head against the wall each year to be awarded with nothing more than piecemeal improvements”, Mr. Makin said. “It is now time for the government to show some true leadership and pledge to completely overhaul Melbourne’s bus network. The creation of direct, efficient and frequent bus routes would provide a service comparable to Melbourne’s tram network which has experienced solid patronage growth over the last six years.”

While the latest State Government budget provided $44 million over four years for new services in the urban fringes, transport advocates have long indicated that at least $60 million per annum was required to both boost bus services and to provide additional coverage throughout Melbourne.

“The overhaul of Melbourne’s bus network would allow routes to be designed to connect activity centres ensuring consistency with Melbourne 2030. Local bus routes would serve residential areas removed from the main road network to ensure no one missed out”, Mr. Makin said. “These local services would connect to the principal bus network increasing the coverage, frequency and span of Melbourne’s public transport network.”

“Melbourne’s bus network is critically ill and requires urgent surgery. The chance to reform Melbourne’s bus network is a rare opportunity that can achieved through the upcoming Transport and Liveability Statement and the renewal of bus contracts. I urge the state government to finally show real leadership and completely overhaul Melbourne’s bus network to meet modern travel needs”, Mr. Makin concluded.

About the Public Transport Users Association (PTUA):
Founded in 1976, the Public Transport Users Association is the recognised consumer organisation representing passengers of public transport. The PTUA is a non-profit, voluntary organisation with no political affiliation, which lobbies governments and public transport authorities in the interest of all users of public transport.
ALL MEDIA ENQUIRIES: ALEX MAKIN ON 0409 136 213

ENDS

Maroondah Leader: Summer timetable blues

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The Maroondah Leader has today reported on the PTUA’s efforts to abolish the current punitive summer holiday timetables for bus services that operate predominately within Maroondah and Manningham:

A PUBLIC transport group has renewed calls for an end to summer timetables on Maroondah services.

Public Transport Users Association spokesman and councillor Alex Makin last week slammed the lack of consistency between summer train, tram and bus networks.

The summer holiday timetables experienced on National bus routes (which operate the majority of services within Maroondah and Manningham) exist purely due to the differing contracts between National and other bus operators.

During the ‘summer holiday timetable’ period services during off-peak timetables are extensively cut, meaning that in most cases a half-hour service becomes an hourly service.

“The detrimental service cutbacks experienced on buses during the summer holiday period mean that an already poor service becomes, in effect, unusable,” Cr Makin said.

While it is true that Melbourne’s train and tram network also operates a summer holiday timetable, it is generally peak services and not off-peak services that are cut.

While peak travel may lessen during this time (due to work and or school holidays), off-peak travel is still required, particularly for students on holidays who need to travel to part-time work and recreation and people without a car. The degradation of services over summer restricts the mobility of these people, thus restricting employment opportunities for students that work during their holidays.

Melbourne’s bus contracts are to be renewed in 2007 making this time the perfect opportunity to remove the inequity caused by these services cutback over summer.

Summer Timetable Cutbacks Must Be Permanently Removed

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Media Release – Tuesday, 3 January 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION

Summer Timetable Cutbacks Must Be Permanently Removed

The Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) has called for a permanent end to the Summer bus timetables and corresponding service cutbacks.

“There is currently no consistency between the summer timetables used on the train and tram network and the summer timetables used for buses”, PTUA spokesman Alex Makin said. “The detrimental service cutbacks experienced on buses during the summer holiday period means that an already poor service becomes, in effect, unusable.”

While other bus operators generally operate a summer holiday timetable on just Christmas Day, National Bus Company, the main operator within Maroondah operates a Summer Holiday Timetable for two weeks, due to differing contractual standards.

“Since all metropolitan bus contracts will be renewed in 2007 it is imperative that the State Government removes the use of detrimental summer holiday timetables”, Mr. Makin said. “Current arrangements simply make it difficult for Maroondah residents to use public transport during the summer timetable period. The government must through these new bus contracts ensure that bus frequencies operate to a similar standard to that experienced on the tram network.”

While Melbourne’s train and tram network operates on an altered timetable from the end of December to mid January generally only peak hour services are affected. The summer bus timetable experienced in Maroondah on National Bus routes roughly cuts off-peak services by 50%, meaning that a 30-minute service becomes hourly. In comparison the tram network operates at a 15 to 20 minute service frequency during the summer period

“While demand for travel to educational facilities and employment may decrease over the summer and Christmas period demand for recreational travel, particularly for students on holidays, increases. During the summer holiday period our youth and the rest of Maroondah still require mobility. Cutbacks to bus services simply creates social isolation and encourages social miscreants due to chronic boredom and despair”, Mr. Makin concluded.

About the Public Transport Users Association (PTUA):

Founded in 1976, the PTUA is the recognised consumer organisation representing passengers of public transport. The PTUA is a non-profit, voluntary organisation with no political affiliation, which lobbies governments and public transport authorities in the interest of all users of public transport.

ALL MEDIA COMMENTS: ALEX MAKIN ON 0409 136 213
ENDS

PTUA Bus Route Reform

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The PTUA Outer East Branch meeting is currently held on the second Tuesday of each month. The meeting for June however, consisted of a forum to discuss the opportunities that exist due to the expiration of the existing Metropolitan bus contracts in 2007.

The new contracts and the possibly of an improved funding arrangements from the State Government would finally ensure a comprehensive, frequent and readily accessible bus network that the people of Melbourne both deserve and require.

Just $60 million per annum (this figure excludes any increased revenue) is required to provide a bus network that will ensure improved patronage and the realisation of increased public transport modal share, through providing a frequent network of bus services.

To help stimulate discussion on the issue of bus route reform and the new bus contacts the PTUA Outer East Branch organised a round-table workshop consisting of the Victorian Council of Social Services (VCOSS), Environment Victoria (EV), local council representatives and bus operators.

A cohesive approach is required to ensure that the two-thirds of Melbourne currently without readily available public transport will finally be provided with services that inspire confidence in Melbourne’s public transport network.

The future potential for patronage growth in public transport will depend on improving bus service operating spans and frequencies.

ERITG : Seizing the Day for Bus Reform

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The Eastern Region Integrated Transport Group (ERITG) consists of eight Outer East Councils to provide a regional approach to public transport advocacy.

The current council members include:

  • Knox
  • Greater Dandenong
  • Yarra Ranges
  • Manningham
  • Maroondah
  • Whitehorse
  • Monash
  • Casey

While each member council provides varying degrees of municipal specific public transport advocacy the aim of the regional focus is to provide a united approach to lobbying efforts. ERITG has become much more focused since the last time I spoke and the group is developing a clear sense of advocacy and a list of projects it sees as a priority.

As such it is of no surprise that the poor level of bus services throughout the Outer East is a key focal point for the ERITG.
As the Outer East Branch Convener of the Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) I was invited to provide a presentation outlining key campaign priorities.

This included:

  • The victory over the Ringwood to Frankston SmartBus (which also actively involved Knox and Greater Dandenong Councils);
  • The need for the Doncaster Road Tram Extension (which will allow for the streamlining of bus services);
  • and the active and constructive involvement the PTUA and also the Ringwood Transit City Community Coalition (RTCCC) is providing within the Transit Cities of Ringwood, Box Hill and Dandenong.

This outline of current activities was reinforced by the major topic of my presentation, the fact that Melbourne’s current Metropolitan Bus Contracts will expire in 2007.

The renegotiation over contracts and the fact that a State Election will be held in 2006 provides a real opportunity to ensure a comprehensive reform of Melbourne’s bus services. The concept of zero-based planning; that is the complete redesign of the bus network to ensure frequent and direct services that run seven days a week from 6am to midnight is a real possibility, if this supported by a cohesive push from councils, bus operators and community organisations such as the Public Transport Users Association (PTUA).

To assist in achieving the objective I proposed the establishment of a Steering Committee comprising of member councils, the Bus Association of Victoria (BAV, which is the peak bus industry group) and the Public Transport Users Association (PTUA). I am pleased to say that this motion was passed by the ERITG and that a terms of reference providing an appropriate scope for this committee will be established within the next month.

This is a major step forward in the campaign for comprehensive improvements to the bus network and which will ensure great mobility and relief from rising petrol prices for residents in the outer east.

I am hopeful that with a collective approach we will ensure a major public transport for public transport in Melbourne’s outer suburbs and the outer east.