Launch of Perth's Night Rider bus-taxi service

3/11/94

From midnight tonight, Perth night owls will have an alternative means of getting home safely and cheaply.

Transport Minister Eric Charlton today launched Perth's Night Rider bus-taxi service, specifically designed to cater for late-night travel.

Under an arrangement between the Metropolitan Transport Trust and Black and White Taxis, Night Rider will operate on a trial basis for six months each Friday and Saturday night between midnight and 3 am.

For a flat fee of $5, people can catch a bus at the Wellington Street Bus Station, or at the corner of William and Aberdeen Streets, Northbridge, travel to outer suburbs and connect with pre-booked taxis at the end of the bus destination.

Taxi fares will depend on distance travelled but multiple hiring will be permitted to minimise the cost.

Mr Charlton said he expected nightclub and restaurant patrons as well as late-night shoppers in the lead-up to the festive season to take full advantage of the new service.

"Night Rider will fill a void on busy Friday and Saturday nights by providing transport opportunities in the early hours of the morning after the last route buses and public trains finish running," the Minister said.

"It was tried, at short notice, over Christmas and New Year last year, with moderate success.

"This time around, the trial will be longer with plenty of publicity and participation from businesses in the Northbridge precinct.

The Northbridge Businessmen's Association will promote the service and provide security staff at the bus boarding point at the corner of William and Aberdeen Streets.  Police will patrol the Wellington Street Bus Station to enhance security and public safety.

Buses will leave the city on the hour every hour from midnight to 3 am.  The routes will be:

·       to Joondalup via Mitchell Freeway;

·       Morley and Mirrabooka via Wanneroo Road;

·       Midland via Guildford Road;

·       Armadale via Albany Highway; and -

·       Fremantle via two routes - Canning and Stirling Highways.

People using Night Rider will buy a $5 ticket on boarding their bus and the driver will radio ahead for a taxi to meet at a predetermined destination.

"The service fits in with the Government's policy of providing an integrated public transport system," Mr Charlton said.

"All the players in this exercise - the MTT, the taxi industry, the Public Transport Union and business people in Northbridge - should be commended for the co-operation they have displayed.

"Night Rider is a response to the needs of the community and it is now up to the public to support and use the service."

Media contact:  Paul Plowman 222 9595  Pager: 482 5692