Page 659 - Week 03 - Thursday, 15 March 2007
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been given so much information and so many statistics that all ACTION operations are in the public arena at substantial cost to the organisation.
Bringing ACTION back into a department has improved efficiencies. The buses now run full, not empty, meeting the sustainable transport plan’s targets and visions. As I told the Assembly last week, in line with the government’s sustainable transport plan, we are seeing a shift from car usage to public transport. Canberrans are concerned about air and noise pollution and our increasing dependence on non-renewable fuels.
More people are choosing to take ACTION as their preferred choice of travel to work. This is demonstrated by the significant increase in adult travel on ACTION services. In February last year, 450,808 adult passengers used ACTION. In February 2007, a year later, 562,561 adults used the service. These are just a few of the things I expect the committee to find.
One of the other things the committee will no doubt report on is whether supply matches demand. Network 06 was developed matching resources with patronage. Prior to 4 December 2006, ACTION was supplying enough buses to carry approximately 8,000 passengers an hour between the peaks on a weekday. They were actually carrying approximately 2,300 passengers. I will say that again: they were supplying enough buses to carry approximately 8,000 passengers an hour between the peaks and they were actually carrying approximately 2,300 passengers. There was an overservicing of 70 per cent capacity. The changes introduced aim to better utilise resources while still providing capacity for 5,000 passengers an hour between the peaks.
Again without any disrespect to the committee, I need to continue with the initiatives designed for continuous improvement of ACTION services. The community has demanded some changes, and those changes have been delivered. The community has demanded additional services, and those additional services have been delivered. Some routes have reverted to the old timetable and some additional routes have been put on for the shoulder periods. We have had an increase in service.
Since the introduction of the new network, ACTION has monitored patronage levels on services to ensure appropriate loadings are on the buses. A number of augmented services have been introduced to relieve some capacities. A range of changes to the network has occurred, including up to 14 additional services on the intertown routes, and up to 23 augments of intertown interpeak services; for example, amended travel directions on route 939 to cater for elderly passengers in this area.
Some further measures will shortly commence; for example, the extension of selected peak services, the adjustment of some routes, the introduction of some additional services, and the implementation of on-platform ticket validation. ACTION will continue to work with the community to ensure that the appropriate balance of services meets demand. ACTION plans to develop a new timetable through a proper planning and community consultation process, and implement that timetable in October 2007. This work cannot be delayed pending the outcome of a committee inquiry, so I ask that the reporting date be brought forward to 31 May 2007.
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