Transperth observations - other

The following are other observations (mainly to do with passenger information) that were not captured in the pictures posted yesterday.

In-bus information

* Bus timetables racks were found to be well-stocked. These typically have timetables the route being travelled on plus several other nearby routes.

Buses include signs advising passengers to tag off.

Train announcements

* Train 'next station' announcements are as follows:
- Now approaching X
- Now approaching X
- This is X (and mention of termination if appropriate)

* Announcements at Glendalough Station advise passengers to transfer for the Scarborough bus. There was some movement to rename Glendalough a few years ago, but this was (wisely) rejected in favour of adding the Scarborough announcement.

* When a train reaches its terminus automated announcements ask that passengers take luggage with them and encourage people to report unattended luggage (if you see something say something anti-terrorism campaign). Signs warn that unattended luggage will be confiscated.

In-train signage

* Train network maps are provided above the windows. These include the soon to be opened Mandurah line in faint.

* Poster cases are provided on trains. These perform a similar role to poster cases at stations in Melbourne. Posters on-board trains typically include (i) fare information, (ii) service announcements, (iii) rail safety messages, (iv) advice that transit officers have similar powers to police, (v) promotion of TransWA country travel, (vi) recruitment advertising for transit officers and (vii) prohibited luggage.

Digital displays inside trains not only mention the next station but also point to the side of the train to alight from and finally 'Doors Closing'.

Trains - other aspects

* All trains boarded were on time.

* Trains are generally 3 cars for the Joondalup line and 2 cars for the other lines.

* Many carriages have longitudinal seating. It was not always possible to get a seat but at all times travelled there was plenty of standing room.

Station dwell times are typically 18 to 20 seconds (night travel, Fremantle line). This was measured from stopping to starting - doors would have been open for no more than 15 seconds.

* Scale of crowds and patronage is about 1/5 that of Melbourne. This is likely to rise to almost 1/3 once the Mandurah line opens.

* Strict rules apply to some aspects of on-train conduct. Unlike in Melbourne eating and drinking are banned. Posters advise that certain items that have potential to be used in acts of vandalism (eg screwdrivers, paint brushes and paint) cannot be carried.

Interchanges

* Some interchanges have buses within the same fare-paid area as trains. At Kelmscott buses run on to the train platform. At Warwick buses are a short escalator above the train platform.

* Escalators at Perth stations operate faster than those in Melbourne CBD stations (even during peak periods). Warning signs ask people to be beware of these 'rapid transit' escalators.

* Passenger information at a bus/train interchange such as Warwick includes:
- Area transport map
- Train departures
- Bus departures (listed in order of time)
- List of suburbs accessible from station and routes that serves it
- Directory of route numbers and stand departures
- Racks for timetables

The above are all located where people enter or leave the station. In addition multi-route timetables and schematic route maps are provided at each bus stand around the station. Information of a similar standard was noted at other interchanges such as Cannington, Clarkson, Esplanade Busport, Fremantle and WSBS.

* Rockingham Bus Station lacked the above comprehensive maps and information, but there may have been a reluctance to install facilities that will soon be removed when the railway opens.

* Perth Station currently has notices advising that there have/will be changes, some signs have become misleading and incorrect, and information will shortly be revamped and updated.

* Stations at which not all trains stop (eg East Perth) have announcements warning that the next train does not stop there and for passengers to stand clear.

Station access and surrounds

* Victoria Park has no access other than wooden stairs so is therefore inaccessible. Plans are afoot to build a new station south of the existing location.

* Stations are often well connected to buses but have poor pedestrian access to surrounding houses and shops. This is an inherent problem with freeway median transit systems but was also apparent elsewhere, eg Kelmscott Station (to the east), Carlisle Station (west of Shepparton Rd) and Curtin University Interchange (north along Hayman Rd).

* The removal of the unused walkway to Albert Facey House will improve visibility of Perth Station from Forrest Place.

* Joondalup cannot be considered a genuinely successful transit oriented development as the 'main street' is remote from the station. It also lacks the activity of many local centres in suburban Melbourne with less active banks, accountants and offices predominating. The Lakeside shopping centre near the station is currently being expanded, but, being a Sunday, there was little activity.

* Clarkson Station has good visibilty from the surrounding transit oriented residential development. This comprises townhouses of not particularly high density. Only one retail establishment was seen though more may be built as the development is still unfinished. Areas further from the station towards the sea are already developed as conventional suburban housing.