Night Rider integrated public transport service to start November 4

26/10/94

Transport Minister Eric Charlton said today Perth's new Night Rider integrated public transport service would begin operating on November 4.

Under an arrangement between the Metropolitan Transport Trust and Black and White Taxis, Night Rider would offer transport after the cessation of normal bus and train services.

"Night Rider will be trialed for six months, offering the people of Perth an alternative form of transport on Friday and Saturday nights between midnight and 3 am," Mr Charlton said.

"For a flat fare of $5, Night Rider passengers can catch a bus at either the Wellington Street Bus Station or at the corner of William and Aberdeen Streets in Northbridge, travel to outer suburbs and connect with pre-booked taxis along the route to get people to their homes.

"The taxi fare will depend on distance travelled, but multiple hiring will be permitted to minimise the cost to users.

"This was first tried in the lead up to Christmas last year and over New Year.  The service was moderately successful, given the short promotional period before it began.

"The first trial occurred nearly 12 months ago and both Swan Taxis and Black and White Taxis were invited to participate.  Only Black and White took up the offer.

"Following public inquiries about the possible reintroduction of the service on a more permanent basis, Black and White Taxis approached the MTT about two months ago.

"The MTT has decided to take an innovative approach and test the new service on a commercial basis with Black and White, over the next six months."

The routes included in Night Rider were to Joondalup, Midland, Fremantle, Armadale and Morley and would be properly promoted in the lead-up to the beginning of the service.

Mr Charlton said the MTT would consider expanding the service if it was successful and proved popular. Other taxi operators would be encouraged to approach the MTT to provide similar services over other routes.

"The Government is responding to real needs and concerns in the public, the availability of safe, efficient and reasonably priced transport after hours on Friday and Saturday nights," Mr Charlton said.

"The Opposition should be seen to be positive and get behind the taxi industry and the MTT and support this initiative.

"The taxi industry and the MTT should be congratulated for their efforts in formulating this service in the interests of the travelling public.

"We will continue to work with the taxi industry, public sector transport agencies and unions to seek ways of improving Perth's public transport system.

"While the Opposition continues to criticise the Government for trying to improve the way in which people are transported around Perth and the rest of the State, in the end it will be the travelling public of Perth who will determine the fate of new services like Night Rider."

Media contact:  Dean Roberts 321 7333