Opening of $1 million bus depot at Midvale

11/9/96

Transport Minister Eric Charlton today opened a $1 million bus depot at Midvale.

The privately-owned Swan Transit bus depot has been designed to service 41 buses. Swan Transit currently runs the Midland bus service routes and has been appointed preferred tenderer for the Southern River and Canning areas which will begin operations at the end of the month.

Mr Charlton congratulated Swan Transit on having operated for eight months with an outstanding record of delivering every scheduled service.

"They propose an improvement of 25 per cent increase in the level of service at a cost of five per cent. This means that 50 per cent of the Midland routes will have their frequency increased from hourly to half hour intervals," he said.

"When they begin the Canning/Southern Routes buses from the Murdoch Park 'n' Ride will have 50 per cent additional seats from day one due to better use of buses.

"These excellent figures show that the WA public have the opportunity to make a comparison between bus operators on quality, frequency of services and innovation."

Mr Charlton said the introduction of competitive tendering to the Transperth system had laid the foundations for significant innovation with a much greater emphasis on service quality and frequency.

He said he was convening an international conference later this year to look at different transport modes and fuels for the State's public transport system.

"Perth has the best public transport system in Australia and we are committed to continual improvement," he said.

Media contact: Sally Squires 321 7333