Rockingham bus services being continually improved

12/12/96

Transport Minister Eric Charlton said bus services in the Rockingham area were continually being improved.

"The Transperth network of route services has not been reduced in any way; in fact a continuation of service expansion is planned recognising the rapid development taking place, particularly in the southern suburbs of Rockingham," he said.

"In January a new bus service will be introduced linking Warnbro and Waikiki with the Rockingham Bus Station."

Mr Charlton said the service would connect with main line buses to Fremantle and Perth.

"Significant improvements are also planned for evening and weekend services in this corridor," he said.

As a result of customer requests, minor alterations will be made to routes 118 and 121.

"The services won by Southern Coast Transit on September 29, 1996 have had a particularly smooth transition and service monitoring shows the operation of their Fremantle-Rockingham services are generally reliable and punctual.

"Southern Coast have been particularly responsive in dealing with school bus issues. Long standing problems associated with services to several Rockingham schools have now been resolved."

Mr Charlton said the master planning of a rapid transit bus service from Rockingham to Fremantle would be undertaken in the 1997-98 financial year.

"Buses will share the link with other road users for about half the journey and will have exclusive use for the remainder," he said.

Subject to funding, construction of the initial stage would start in 1997-98 and the project should be completed in four years.

Media contact: Sally Squires 321 7333