Launching of WA's first on-demand bus route in Landsdale

28/10/97

Transport Minister Eric Charlton today launched Western Australia's first on-demand bus route in the northern Perth suburb of Landsdale.

The new Transperth service is being trialled by Transport for a six-month period and will enable passengers to hail buses from any point along a specially designated route as well as from traditional bus stops.

A two-kilometre circle road called The Broadview is the test site for the service which will also see the introduction of two brand new, low-riding low-floor buses. The new buses will be operated by Path Transit for Transperth.

Known as 'Dart' buses, they provide similar interior roominess to the popular city-based CATS buses but are licensed to carry up to 57 passengers including wheelchair commuters.

Launching the new service, Mr Charlton said that the concept represented an innovative, common sense approach aimed at encouraging more effective use of public transport.

"The State Government's goal is to provide Western Australians with the best public transport service and this initiative is designed to meet the specific needs of smaller and newly developing communities," he said.

"The concept of passengers hailing buses - as they now do with taxis - will also greatly assist people with special needs, as well as families with very young or small children."

Customer-friendly features of the Dart buses include an hydraulic 'kneel-down' facility, which, in combination with a retractable front kerb ramp, enables easy entry and exit for wheelchairs, young children and the infirm.

The buses are similar in length and height to Transperth's standard buses and feature individual slim-line bucket seating and forward luggage baskets. Passengers will enjoy large tourist coach-style windows and refrigerated air conditioning designed to cope with Perth's summers.

The on-demand service will operate throughout the week and will connect Landsdale residents to city-bound buses routes 886 and 887 via Queensway and Alexander Roads.

Media contact: Doug Cunningham 9321 7333