INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - INDIVIDUAL SOLUTIONS 'Reorganising the Sydney's Bus Network '

摘要

In a rapidly growing city, it is all too easy for the bus network to get out of balance with the community's travel choices. Public transport users don't like change that impacts adversely on them - even when they are in the minority. Traditionally, much emphasis has been placed on improving services by building new infrastructure or seeking to 'market' existing services. However, there are other, lower cost options available which can have a significant impact on patronage. This paper outlines how Sydney Buses set out to achieve some basic restructuring of its network by involving users in the change process. Its "Better Buses" program has proven effective in gaining community support for re-organising the network and, by redirecting capacity to areas of greatest need, it has increased patronage and improved the operator's financial results. The Better Buses design proposals are based on demographic data and Sydney Buses' automatic fare collection system patronage data. The program is accomplished by means of a standardised review and consultation process designed to minimise community concerns. Subsequent to the Sydney Buses program, the NSW Government has decided to apply the process more widely. Recently announced reforms of service contracts will involve a reduction in the number of contracted operators and the introduction of shared 'strategic' routes. Within this new administrative structure, there will be annual reviews of each contractor's network based on the Better Buses' consultative principles