WITH the lack of public transport continuing to plague Bass Coast, a joint initiative between the shire, Department of Transport and Destination Phillip Island seeks to change that.
The organisations are undertaking a study into the Demand Responsive Transport network – starting with Phillip Island and San Remo.
The initiative sounds simple in theory- no fixed routes and no timetables.
“Instead on-demand public transport operates when requested. Like an Uber for mini-buses, users hail the service via a smartphone app or at bus stops, then routing algorithms calculate the most efficient pick-ups and drop-offs,” the shire stated last week.
It’s even being promoted that it will increase tourist participation, improve mobility and speed up decarbonisation by replacing private car journeys and link users to existing networks.
“Our plan for a three-year pilot would see responsive buses operate across Phillip Island and San Remo 7 days a week, until 11pm during peak periods and 9pm off peak,” the shire said.
“Fully integrated with existing public transport services, it will also allow longer journeys into the broader region.”
It is also hoped on-demand transport will benefit the economy, with up to 49 additional commuters and 85 additional trips attracted into town a day.
And the fleet would be fully electric, with plans to avoid using up to 372 tonnes of carbon emissions.
If the program is successful across San Remo and Phillip Island, it will be implemented shire-wide.
The concept is already in place in areas such as Croydon, Lilydale, Rowville and Woodend.
The cashless service operates only when passengers book via a smartphone app or their nearest bus stop, between designated hubs in the same service area.
In Mooroolbark for example, passengers can book a trip anywhere within the service either to or from Mooroolbark Station or Chirnside Park Shopping Centre.
Service hours are from 6am-8pm Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm on Saturday but no Sundays or public holidays.
Funding and tourism
Council has received $50k from the Victorian Government towards the pilot’s Service Design and Implementation Plan.
However, council is seeking much more.
“Annual operating costs are estimated at $1million. Electric buses will total $1.6 million. With an inclusive 50% operating cost contingency, the three-year trial is anticipated to cost $6.25 million,” the shire stated.
It’s also estimated that tourists will make ‘100 trips a day’ on the service.
“We know that the opportunity to visit a destination and not use your vehicle, or arrive on public transport, is an option that many visitors would like to have. The investment in this project would be of great benefit to our region,” said Kim Storey, general manager Destination Phillip Island.
According to the AAA’s Transport Affordability Index, Australians spend an average of $379.90 a week on transport, 15.2% of the average income. This includes over $100 on fuel.
