NSW Bus Reviews For You!

When you go and seek advice on the 'net' what comes to us is:  
NSW Busnetwork and here there comments of the reform:

About Bus Reform

NSW Transport and Infrastructure

Why do we review bus networks?

New contracts between metropolitan and outer metropolitan bus operators and the NSW Government include the need to carry out a review of bus services within the first three years of the contract. This requirement to review services came out of the recommendations of the NSW Governments Review of Bus Services, known as the Unsworth Review.

The review of bus services is critical to ensure local people are connected with local places and with other bus routes or modes of transport. It is also important that we straighten bus routes and make fast, frequent and direct bus services.

How do we design bus services?

We - NSW Transport and Infrastructure and its contracted bus operators - are dedicated public transport providers and we design our services so they are affordable, easy-to-use and convenient.

The design of bus services takes into account many considerations. Our main challenge is to balance the needs of our many and varied customer groups. We carefully review travel patterns, emerging trends, information on journeys to work and land use developments so we have a clear picture of what’s happening within the area we provide services. This is critical to ensure we can build customer numbers and strengthen our bus network. We then consider customer feedback to ensure we do not miss critical local links.

We use the NSW Government’s Service Planning Guidelines (www.transport.nsw.gov.au), which includes an international standard for access to bus routes. Our aim is to ensure nearly all of our bus services operate within 400 metres of residents between 6.00am and 6.30pm from Monday to Saturday. On evenings and on Sundays, we aim for 800 metres.

What do I need to consider about this review?

We encourage you to carefully review the proposed new bus network. You are asked to provide feedback on any part of the proposal that may affect you.

Buses may travel down streets where they have not travelled before, resulting in new bus stops along the route. Some buses will be taken out of some streets, resulting in the removal of bus stops along the route. Sometimes you may need to interchange buses under the new proposal. These are examples of matters to consider in your feedback.

Why is it important for me to have my say?

It is important for you to have your say during the consultation period. The new contracts make it standard and compulsory for all bus operators to carry out community consultation during the first review of bus services and every year following.

We need to know your thoughts and concerns so we can aim to provide bus services that balance the needs of all members of our communities.

What are the key parts of proposed new bus networks?

1. Improved links to major and town centres

Major Centres, according to the NSW Government’s Metropolitan Strategy for Sydney, have department stores, specialty shops, cinemas, restaurants, schools, government administration, office employment and transport hubs. Customers require direct services to their local Major Centre.

2. A simplified network

Around the world, customers have indicated they prefer networks that are easy to understand. The existing network is complicated due to variations on routes that depend on the time of day. The proposed new network would reduce diversions and variations so it could operate the same routes across the week, where possible.

3. More direct services

A common complaint about bus services is that they are circuitous and do not take people to where they want to go.

The proposed new network will be simplified, and routes will be straightened to ensure that services are direct, but retain important links to local facilities.

4. Integrated services

Integrated services allow passengers direct access to a number of activity centres across the region. They also provide opportunities to interchange with rail and other bus services.

The proposed new network has been designed to increase the number and variety of public transport options available.

5. More travel opportunities

The proposed new network have been designed to increase the number and variety of public transport options available, by anchoring to a Major or Town Centre and ensuring that as many local destinations are included in the network.

6. School services

Dedicated school buses will be assessed following this review. School principals will be advised on any changes to bus services that impact school children.

Our commitment to you

For many years, we have worked hard to provide the best possible bus services. We are committed to act on all customer and staff feedback. We encourage you to provide feedback so we can continue to design better bus services for our valued customers.

Editors Comments: They seem to neglect when they take services away how it affects local people -m while they are noticing travelling trends.