Revolutionary video system to be trialled on Transperth's buses

12/11/99
Transperth bus passengers might one day be able to watch live news bulletins, clips from their favourite comedy shows, weather and other information as they travel to their city and suburban destinations, Transport Minister Murray Criddle said today.
This possibility moved a step closer in Perth today when the Minister officially endorsed trials of a revolutionary video system capable of receiving live satellite programs.
The trial will be conducted on one of Transperth's buses operating between Fremantle and Perth for six weeks to gauge passengers' reactions to the entertainment system.
"Passengers will have the option of listening to the programs through remote headsets or simply ignoring them," Mr Criddle said.
"Some passengers may prefer not to watch the programs and we do not want to intrude on their right to travel without the sound of the system.
"On the other hand, we would like to see how our passengers feel about the opportunity to watch programs as they travel.
"If there is a lot of positive feedback from our passengers, we will look more closely at the possibilities.
"The system could also be used to broadcast messages about public transport services and other Transperth news.
"The company offering the service, Transvision, has also been trialling the system successfully in Singapore.
"Transperth has made no commitments to the company and will conduct market research on the use of the system.
"All risks and expenditures associated with the trial will be borne by Transvision."
The Minister said that many technical and business issues needed to be thoroughly examined before progressing things further. This would include a business case to test the feasibility of the project.
The system was demonstrated today for members of the Australian Transport Council, who are meeting in Perth.
The council is Australia's peak transport decision-making group and consists of the Transport Ministers of all States and Territories as well as New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. It is chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Transport Minister John Anderson.
"Apart from discussing a range of national transport issues, this is also an opportunity to show my counterparts some major Western Australian transport initiatives first-hand," Mr Criddle said.
Media contacts: Doug Cunningham 9321 7333
Brett Inchley, Transperth 9320 9570