Introduction of an additional bus for services between Mandurah and Perth

22/6/99
The strong growth in passenger numbers on daily bus services between Mandurah and Perth will result in the introduction of an additional bus on the run.
Boosting the capacity of the popular 107 service, which travels each way between the Perth Busport and Mandurah bus terminus in Dower Street, follows the success of the double-decker buses introduced in September 1997.
Transport Minister Murray Criddle said the new service was in response to increasing demand from commuters. The expansion of the service underpinned the Coalition Government's commitment to providing commuters with high-quality, reliable public transport.
"Patronage is currently running at approximately 3000 people a week and it's gratifying to see a bus service so well patronised that we need to add capacity to cope," Mr Criddle said.
"I'm also pleased that we will be able to provide a new Mercedes-Benz 'Euro-2' bus for the Mandurah-Perth return run because these buses provide a quality ride for passengers and also cater for people with disabilities," he said.
"The new 'Euro-2' buses have more in common with a tour coach than public transport because they have full air-conditioning and heating and a low floor for easy access.
"These new buses are world class and over the next decade all of Transperth's 848-strong bus fleet will be replaced by this standard of vehicle."
The Member for Mandurah, Roger Nicholls, said the additional service using the new state-of-the-art bus would be welcomed by local residents.
"It is a clear signal that the Government is listening to the needs of the Mandurah community," Mr Nicholls said.
"The increase in demand at peak times is indicative of a growing number of people who choose to live in the Mandurah area and commute to work each day.
"Ongoing public transport initiatives like this will make living in the area more attractive as time goes on."
Starting this week, the 6:50am service from Mandurah to Perth will be operated by two buses and an additional service running from Perth to Mandurah at 3pm will be introduced.
From June 28, there will be an additional trip to Mandurah, departing Perth at 10:00am. There will also be an additional service travelling from Mandurah to Perth, departing at 1:35pm.
The Member for Dawesville, Arthur Marshall, said it was also good to see that new services had been introduced in off-peak times.
"We have a growing population of retirees in the area who will appreciate having a greater choice of times to depart and return," Mr Marshall said.
Mr Criddle said the additional services were the result of representations made to him by Mr Marshall and Mr Nicholls.
"I am pleased to be able to respond to those representations by providing the new Euro-2 bus for the people of the Mandurah area," Mr Criddle said.
A new timetable for the service, incorporating the additional four trips and adjusting the frequency of trips to better accommodate commuters, will be introduced on July 19.
Media contact: Doug Cunningham 9321 7333