How to improve bus services in Melbourne, Australia (Guest writer)

Q. How to improve bus services in Melbourne, Australia?

A. There are several ways to improve bus services in Melbourne, Australia. Some potential strategies include:

1. Increasing the frequency of bus routes: This can make it more convenient for people to use the bus system, as they don't have to wait as long for the next bus to arrive.

2. Improving bus route coverage: Expanding the reach of bus routes to more areas of the city can make it more accessible for people to use the bus system.

3. Investing in new and upgraded buses: Newer and more comfortable buses can attract more riders.

4. Incorporating technology to improve the customer experience: For example, real-time bus tracking, mobile ticketing, and better information systems can make it easier for people to plan their trips and find the bus they need.

5. Encourage the use of public transportation by providing discounts or other incentives.

6. Investing in bus-priority infrastructure: This can include dedicated bus lanes, traffic signal priority, and bus-only ramps and shoulders, which can help to reduce travel times and increase reliability.

7. Improving the integration of the bus system with other modes of transportation, such as trains and trams, can make it more convenient for people to make connections and complete their trips.

8. Improving the bus stop infrastructure, which includes shelter, seating, lighting, and real-time information displays.

9. Reviewing and optimizing bus routes, which can help to reduce travel times and increase service reliability.

10. Improving the communication between the transport authority and the public, which can help to build trust and encourage more people to use the bus system.

If you thought I wrote that you'd be wrong. 

Instead it is the unedited result of posing the question in ChatGPT an online app using artificial intelligence to give answers. I liked the above answer. It was the easiest and quickest blog post I've ever 'done'! 

But if you didn't like that answer then you can hit the 'regenerate' button for alternatives. Here's one. 

A. There are several ways to improve bus services in Melbourne, Australia, including:

1. Increasing frequency of bus services: By running buses more often, passengers are less likely to have to wait long periods of time for a bus to arrive.

2. Improving bus route planning: By optimizing bus routes to better serve high-traffic areas and popular destinations, buses can be more efficient and reduce travel times for passengers.

3. Enhancing bus stop amenities: By providing bus stops with seating, shelters, and real-time information displays, the wait for a bus can be more comfortable and convenient for passengers.

4. Investing in new technology: By incorporating technology such as GPS tracking and real-time information systems, bus services can be made more efficient and reliable.

5. Encouraging use of public transportation: By making bus services more affordable, convenient and reliable, more people will choose to use public transportation, reducing traffic congestion and air pollution.

6. Improving public transport integration: By coordinating bus services with other forms of public transportation, such as trains and trams, passengers can more easily make connections and reach their destinations.

7. Investing in bus priority measures: By implementing bus priority measures such as bus lanes, traffic signal priority and queue jumping, buses can move more efficiently through traffic.

8. Improving customer service: By providing friendly and helpful customer service, passengers will be more likely to use the bus services and recommend them to others.

And another:

A. There are several ways to improve bus services in Melbourne, Australia:

1. Increase frequency of buses on popular routes: This will reduce wait times for passengers and make the service more convenient.

2. Expand the bus network: Adding new routes in areas that are currently underserved will make the service more accessible to more people.

3. Improve bus stop infrastructure: Providing better shelters, seating, and lighting at bus stops will make the service more comfortable for passengers.

4. Invest in technology: Implementing real-time tracking of buses and mobile ticketing can make the service more efficient and convenient for passengers.

5. Improve coordination with other forms of transportation: By coordinating bus schedules with trains and trams, the service can be made more convenient for passengers making connections.

6. Encourage use of public transportation: Government could provide incentives or subsidies for people to use public transportation and discourage the use of private cars.

7. Improve customer service: Regular feedback and complaint handling, training of staff to handle different situations and better communication with the public can enhance the overall experience of the service.

Also pretty good. 

What about more specific questions? 

Q. Are flexible or fixed route buses better?

A. The choice between flexible or fixed route buses depends on the specific transportation needs of an area. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.

Fixed route buses operate on a set schedule, following a predetermined route and stopping at designated bus stops. They are generally considered more cost-effective than flexible route buses because they can be scheduled to run at the most efficient times and follow the most direct routes. They are also easier for passengers to navigate, as they follow a predictable pattern.

Flexible route buses, also known as demand-responsive transport (DRT) or dial-a-ride, provide service to areas not served by fixed-route buses. They can be scheduled to pick up passengers at specific locations and drop them off at specific locations, rather than at designated bus stops. They are more suitable for less densely populated areas, where the demand for bus service is low and the routes would not be viable for fixed-route buses. They are also more expensive to operate than fixed-route buses, as they require more resources to coordinate rides and navigate the service area.

In conclusion, both flexible and fixed-route buses have their advantages and disadvantages. The choice between them depends on the specific transportation needs of an area, such as population density, demand for service and budget availability.

Not a bad answer. Points for highlighting their generally lower productivity. Another question:

Q. Are electric or hydrogen buses best?

A. Electric and hydrogen fuel cell buses are both considered zero-emission alternatives to diesel buses, but they have some different advantages and disadvantages.

Electric buses are powered by electricity stored in batteries, which can be recharged at charging stations. Electric buses are considered to be more mature technology, with a proven track record in many cities around the world. They are also cheaper to operate than hydrogen fuel cell buses, as electricity is cheaper than hydrogen fuel. They also have less maintenance costs.

Hydrogen fuel cell buses, on the other hand, use hydrogen fuel stored in tanks to generate electricity, which powers the vehicle. Hydrogen fuel cell buses are considered to be more energy efficient than electric buses, and they can also travel further on a single tank of hydrogen than electric buses can travel on a single charge. This can make them more suitable for long-distance routes or routes with low charging infrastructure.

Both types of zero-emission buses still have some challenges to overcome. The cost of purchasing electric buses is typically higher than that of diesel buses, and the cost of hydrogen fuel cell buses is even higher. Additionally, the infrastructure required to support electric buses, such as charging stations and hydrogen fueling stations, can also be expensive to install.

In conclusion, both electric and hydrogen fuel cell buses are considered to be zero-emission alternatives to diesel buses and have their own advantages and disadvantages. The decision on which technology to use will depend on the specific needs of a community, such as the availability of charging and fueling infrastructure, the cost of the technology and the distance of the routes.

 Let's ask it about network planning approaches. I'll use a question similar to that DoT asked the public to answer in consultation for newly launched bus network reviews in Melbourne's north and north-east. 

Q. Should bus networks have fewer routes that are more frequent or more routes that are closer to peoples homes but are less frequent?

A. The decision on whether to have fewer routes that are more frequent or more routes that are closer to people's homes but are less frequent depends on the specific transportation needs of a community.

Having fewer routes that are more frequent can provide a higher level of service for passengers and can make public transportation more convenient and accessible. This can also help reduce wait times and improve reliability. This approach can be beneficial for people who need to travel to major destinations such as city centers, universities, or commercial areas.

On the other hand, having more routes that are closer to people's homes but are less frequent can provide better access to public transportation for people who live in less densely populated areas or in areas not served by existing bus routes. This approach allows for more direct service to people's homes, reducing the need for transfers and making it easier for people to access public transportation.

A compromise solution would be to have a mix of both, where the bus network includes a core of high-frequency routes connecting major destinations, and additional, less frequent routes that provide service to more residential areas. This would provide a good level of service to both major destinations and residential areas.

Ultimately, the decision on the bus network design will depend on the specific transportation needs of a community, as well as the availability of resources and funding. It's important to consider factors such as population density, demand for service, traffic conditions, and budget availability when developing a bus service plan.

I'll try another question.

Q. What is a smartbus?

A. SmartBus is a bus service in Melbourne, Australia, that provides high-frequency and high-capacity services on major corridors. These buses are designed to improve the reliability and speed of bus services, and to provide better connectivity with other forms of public transport, such as trains and trams. SmartBus services typically run at least every 15 minutes, seven days a week, during the day and evening, and have fewer stops than regular bus services, which allows for faster and more efficient journeys.

Some of the features of SmartBus services include:

Real-time passenger information: This includes digital displays at bus stops and on board the buses, which provide passengers with up-to-date information on the location of buses and estimated arrival times.

Priority at traffic lights: SmartBuses have equipment on board that communicate with the traffic lights, allowing them to be given priority and spend less time at traffic lights.

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) infrastructure : This includes dedicated bus lanes, which are separated from other traffic, allowing buses to bypass congestion and run more efficiently.

Enhanced stations: SmartBus stations are typically larger and more comfortable than regular bus stops, and often include amenities such as seating, shelters, and real-time information displays.

Connectivity with other forms of transport: SmartBuses are designed to provide better connections with other forms of public transport, such as trains and trams, to make it easier for commuters to transfer between different modes of transport.

Overall, SmartBus service is designed to provide a faster, more reliable and more convenient public transport option for commuters, and to improve the overall efficiency of the public transport system in Melbourne.

Above describes what we'd like SmartBus to be rather than what it is. Eg evening and weekend service often drops to every 30 min, and not the 15 min cited. And connections with trains are over-stated as frequencies are often unharmonised.

Here's a specific question. It's asking for an opinion which may be harder for AI. It also requires information unlikely to be obtained from published official sources. 

Q. What is the most complicated bus route in Melbourne?

A. It is difficult to say which bus route in Melbourne is the most complicated, as it can depend on various factors such as the number of stops, the number of turns and the level of traffic. However, some bus routes in Melbourne are known for their complexity, such as the route 250, which operates between the Melbourne CBD and Box Hill. This route covers a large area and has many stops, making it a long and winding route. It also covers a diverse range of neighborhoods and areas, from the busy city center to suburban residential areas.

Another route that could be considered complex is the route 546, which operates between the Melbourne CBD and Eltham. This route also covers a large area and has many stops, making it a long and winding route. It also covers a diverse range of neighborhoods and areas, from the busy city center to suburban residential areas.

It's important to note that the level of complexity of a bus route can change depending on the time of day and the traffic conditions. During rush hour or on weekends, some routes might be more complicated than usual due to the high volume of people and cars on the road.

It's also worth mentioning that many of the bus routes in Melbourne are interconnected and cross each other, making it more complex for the passenger to navigate through the system, especially for the first timers.

This one is full of errors, some factual. For instance the termini for both routes 250 and 546 are wrong. And they are not particularly complicated. The answer has a lot of general fluff which doesn't say very much. 

Just to prove the above wasn't a fluke here's another question. 

Q. What is the 788 bus?

A. The 788 bus is a bus route in Melbourne, Australia. It operates between the suburb of Mordialloc and the city of Frankston, via the suburb of Chelsea. It serves several key destinations along the route, such as Mordialloc railway station, Chelsea railway station, and Frankston railway station, connecting them with the surrounding areas.

The 788 bus is operated by the state-owned bus company, CDC Victoria, and it's part of the SmartBus network, which provides high-frequency and high-capacity bus services on major corridors. As such, it operates at least every 15 minutes, seven days a week, during the day and evening, and has fewer stops than regular bus services, which allows for faster and more efficient journeys.

SmartBus services typically include real-time passenger information, priority at traffic lights, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) infrastructure, enhanced stations, and connectivity with other forms of transport, such as trains and trams, making it a convenient and efficient way to travel between Mordialloc, Chelsea and Frankston.

It's important to note that the route, schedule, and stops of the 788 bus are subject to change, and it's always best to check the Public Transport Victoria (PTV) website or app for the most up-to-date information.

Just about all the above is wrong. Route 788 does not serve Mordialloc and Chelsea, is not run by CDC (who are not state-owned) and is not a SmartBus with frequent service.  

The above shows the limitations of the ChatGPT 'artificial intelligence' when giving answers. They're a bit like a greenhorn senior executive recruited from a non-transport area on their first day. They might have a 'high level' general knowledge and be able to express themselves well. But knowledge of specific matters remains an undeveloped area. The same goes for recent events due to the 2021 cut-off. That's acknowledged here:

Q. How qualified are you to answer detailed questions about buses in Melbourne?

A. As a language model, I have been trained on a wide range of information, including public transport in Melbourne, including buses. However, my knowledge is based on the data that was available at my training cut off date, which is 2021 and my knowledge of the specific routes and schedules may be out of date.

In addition, my responses are generated based on patterns in the data used to train me and may not reflect the exact situation on the ground. In cases where specific, detailed and/or up-to-date information is needed, I would recommend consulting the official website of Public Transport Victoria (PTV) or speaking with a representative from PTV for the most accurate and current information.

So as much as I might sometimes appreciate a break, they won't be replacing me in writing items for this blog any time soon. But if you get ChatGPT to write a haiku, limerick, TV show idea, arts grants proposal or even a budget funding submission on a fairly general topic you might be surprised at the quality of some results. 

Try it today and let us know how you go in the comments.