Pittwater Online News

On-Demand Public Transport Trial In Pittwater

16 August 2017
Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes today announced Pittwater will take part in the first trial of an on-demand transport service that can connect customers from their homes to the nearest transport hub.
 
The on-demand pilot, administered by Transport for NSW, will allow customers to use the custom-built app, website, or phone number to book a vehicle which will arrive at their home or convenient pick-up location and drop them at the nearest transport hub, such as the upcoming B-Line bus service.
 
“This innovative trial will look at how an on-demand transport service could benefit people who may find it difficult to reach our local transport hubs,” Rob Stokes said today.
 
“There are many elderly members of our community who live in areas that aren’t easily accessible by traditional buses. This is an additional option that could help support their transport independence.
 
“This trial will not replace any existing bus services – but will complement the range of transport opportunities already on offer.
 
“It’s also really important to reduce the need for additional commuter car parking – and this is another way this can be achieved.
 
“We want to make it as easy as possible for everyone to access public transport – so it’s entirely appropriate for the government to be trialling something that’s a little outside the square,” Rob Stokes said.
 
A standard one-way fare for these services will cost $3.10 and the pilot is expected to begin in late 2017.


A few more details:
Palm Beach and North Narrabeen Zones – operated by Keolis Downer (the trial operator will be partnering with GoGet for their vehicles)

A BUS STOP OUTSIDE YOUR DOOR: ON DEMAND TRANSPORT IS HERE

Wednesday, 16 August 2017: The Hon. Andrew Constance, Minister for Transport and Infrastructure
Sydney commuters are set for even more choice, with the launch of the first ever series of On Demand public transport trials that bring the bus to you.
Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance said the trials were a first for NSW, and would transform the daily commute for people across Sydney.

“We have on demand movies, on demand food, and finally – NSW will have on demand transport,” Mr Constance said.

Eight pilots of On Demand Transport services in the North West, South West, West, Eastern Suburbs, Northern Beaches, Sutherland Shire and Central Coast will start from October and allow customers to book transport from or near their home to a local transport hub or other centres including local hospitals.

“This trial is just the start of our transport future in NSW. Imagine not having to check a timetable because you know your service will be there when and where you need it,” Mr Constance said.

Key employment region Macquarie Park is part of the first tranche of On Demand pilots, with a service to transport workers living within 15 kilometres of the precinct starting in early 2018, with fares starting at $2.60. This service will be run by Keolis Downer and use a fleet of eight mini vans, six mini buses and one wheelchair accessible vehicle during weekday peaks and shoulders.

Ryde MP Victor Dominello said that the service would boost capacity for people living in the region ahead of the start of Sydney Metro Northwest in 2019.

“This will encourage more people out of their cars and onto public transport, and will bring extra services to this rapidly growing employment precinct,” Mr Dominello said.

Each trial is unique and will have its own pricing scheme ranging from $2.60 to $5.60 for a standard trip. Customers will be able to book online, by phone or via an app.

The other areas included in the first roll out of on demand trials will be:

• Bankstown: An on demand bus service for visitors, patients and employees of Bankstown Hospital that operates 18 hours a day. Starts in October. Standard fare of $4. (Punchbowl Bus Company, 1 bus)
• Edmondson Park: A service to pick customers up from home or nearby location and drop them at the train station. Starts in early 2018. Standard fare of $3.10. (Interline, 2 mini buses)
• Northern Beaches: A service that connects customers from Palm Beach to North Narrabeen to bus stops on the Northern Beaches B-Line. Starts late 2017. Standard fare of $3.10. (Keolis Downer, 8 vehicles)
• Sutherland Shire: A service to pick customers up from home or a nearby location in Jannali West, Sylvania, Caringbah and Gymea and take them to transport hubs or local shops. Starts November. Standard fare of $2.60. (Transdev, 5 mini buses)
• Manly and Eastern Suburbs: A service to pick customers up at home or nearby location and take them to Edgecliff and Bondi Junction stations, ferries at Manly or Rose Bay wharves. Starts November. Standard fare of $3.10. (Transdev, 6 mini buses)
• Wetherill Park and Greystanes: A service to connect employment precincts to T-Way interchanges. Starts late 2017. Standard fare of $3.10. (Indi-Link by Transit Systems, 5 mini buses)
• Central Coast: A service to take customers to Woy Woy station from locations on the Woy Woy peninsula. Starts early 2018. Fares start at $3.10. (Community Transport Central Coast, 5 mini buses)
  

Transport for NSW will use data from the trials to plan future public transport improvements across all areas of Sydney.
All pilots in this trial will provide a standalone service that will not affect any existing local bus services.