Public transport is often used as an alternative to
peak-hour traffic, but it should be embraced just as much during off-peak
times.
Getting more passengers on off peak and weekend services
gets the most out of capital investments already spent, such as railway lines,
bus stops and vehicles. A bus has already been purchased so there is no extra
cost to run it during off-peak times except for the driver and fuel, but the
trip will earn money from fares.
Good off-peak services also gives peace of mind to peak hour
commuters that should they need to come to work earlier or later, go home
early, stay behind or do an errand that services are available for them at that
time.
It also offers an alternative to driving to the city because
while traffic isn’t bad, it will become an issue in the future, and parking is
still a problem. The city is easy to serve well by public transport.
Trains run every 15 minutes all day everyday and some trips
are standing room only, but most buses only run every hour during off-peak and
so are unattractive to travellers with cars. Even major bus routes have a long
way to go on weekends with only services along Beaufort St and on the
Circleroute between Fremantle and Southlands running every 15 min on weekends.
In conclusion, off-peak public transport is a good use of
infrastructure and fleets that have already been bought, and although Perth is
doing well on this matter with its trains, we could improve, especially on
buses.
Dear Fred
ReplyDeleteWhat you think which one is more effective Round about or Traffic light?
I think traffic lights are better because they accommodate pedestrians in their cycles but on a roundabout pedestrians won't be given any consideration, especially if there is a consistently heavy flow of vehicles. This is important to passengers walking to PT because good access increases the use of services.
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