Success here is not a foregone conclusion. And failure can put reform back years if not decades.
High profile failures in the last decade include Brisbane 2013, Melbourne (Transdev) 2015 and Adelaide 2020.
High profile failures in the last decade include Brisbane 2013, Melbourne (Transdev) 2015 and Adelaide 2020.
In at least the last two cases politicians got cold feet and pulled the plug before new networks got implemented. Consultation processes were poor. And there were enough 'nasties' in the latter two to outweigh the gains for too many people.
Learning from these failures is important. But they should not discourage governments from pursuing bus network and service reform. That's especially so for quick wins like enhanced off-peak and weekend frequencies and small-scale reforms involving up to 5 or 6 routes.
Very few public transport projects can return a higher benefit / cost ratio than well-conceived and executed bus network reform. That's important in periods where money is tight but there's still a desire to improve service. In other words, right now!
Where have the successes been? I would nominate Sydney, Perth and Auckland.
Perth has long regarded bus network reform as day to day business rather than a one-off heralded by high-profile (but unfunded and unspecific) plans and overseen by dedicated teams. Learn more about their formula here.
As for Auckland, we have the extraordinary privilege of hearing practitioners speak in detail both before and after their network reforms.
Both video presentations go for about an hour. They are unlisted or difficult to find. This is possibly why they have only a handful of views despite the great content.
But anyone who wants bus reform needs to watch. And take notes. Several times.
2018 Anthony Cross (Auckland before/during implementation)
Learning from these failures is important. But they should not discourage governments from pursuing bus network and service reform. That's especially so for quick wins like enhanced off-peak and weekend frequencies and small-scale reforms involving up to 5 or 6 routes.
Very few public transport projects can return a higher benefit / cost ratio than well-conceived and executed bus network reform. That's important in periods where money is tight but there's still a desire to improve service. In other words, right now!
Where have the successes been? I would nominate Sydney, Perth and Auckland.
Perth has long regarded bus network reform as day to day business rather than a one-off heralded by high-profile (but unfunded and unspecific) plans and overseen by dedicated teams. Learn more about their formula here.
As for Auckland, we have the extraordinary privilege of hearing practitioners speak in detail both before and after their network reforms.
Both video presentations go for about an hour. They are unlisted or difficult to find. This is possibly why they have only a handful of views despite the great content.
But anyone who wants bus reform needs to watch. And take notes. Several times.
2018 Anthony Cross (Auckland before/during implementation)
YouTube link if above does not show (also https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLdYvh26ijA )
2021 Pete Moth (Auckland after implementation)
Presentation part of UITP ANZ webinar series.
Note: UITP ANZ is now PTAANZ. Their new website appears not to have material from the previous organisation. This link was only retrievable as it was posted on a bus enthusiast forum.
Summary
Both are essential viewing for policy makers and planners interested in getting the most from their city's extensive but underperforming bus network. Please share widely and leave your comments below.
Index to other Building Melbourne's Useful Network items
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