Page 2274 - Week 06 - Wednesday, 23 June 2010
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MR STANHOPE: I thank Ms Bresnan for the question. In the context of the new procedures and issues, I think it best if I take the question on notice, which I am happy to do, and provide a full answer.
MR SPEAKER: Ms Bresnan, a supplementary?
MS BRESNAN: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Minister, does the government collect data on the number of occasions a bus either fails to show up or drives past a stop due to overcrowding, and, if so, is the government willing to provide this data to the Assembly?
MR STANHOPE: I will take the first part of the question on notice, Mr Speaker, and certainly if the data is available I am more than happy to make it available.
MR SPEAKER: A supplementary, Ms Hunter?
MS HUNTER: Yes, Mr Speaker. Minister, where an individual is entirely reliant upon public transport, what support or recourse does the government offer when the failure of a service to even show up causes them to miss appointments or be late for work?
MR STANHOPE: I thank Ms Hunter for the question. Indeed, I do receive representations from time to time—and certainly, of course, from ACTION—in relation to those instances that we are all aware of where, for one reason or another, a scheduled service simply does not operate. I think members would understand in those circumstances that invariably it is not possible to provide forewarning or notice to those that might be waiting for that particular service of its non-operation. It is an enormous frustration. I can understand why people would be frustrated and quite angry. It is of particular concern to me where children are affected by the non-arrival or the non-operation of a particular service.
There is, of course, almost always a legitimate reason for the non-arrival or the non-operation of a service—either a bus or a number of buses broke down and were non-serviceable; drivers, particularly if it was an early scheduled meeting, gave late notice of illness and non-attendance; or there was an inability by ACTION to provide a driver for all services. It does need to be understood and accepted that there will almost invariably, or more often than not, be a very good reason why a service does not operate. But that does not belie the fact that it is an enormous inconvenience and is always to be regretted.
In the context of all of those occasions where representations have been made to me, where I have received letters or complaints, I have to say I have always been impressed by the responsiveness of ACTION in the context of its willingness to acknowledge the failing and its willingness to unreservedly apologise and express regret at the non-arrival of a service. It is an issue, and I am more than happy to pursue those aspects that I cannot respond to today.
MR COE: A supplementary question, Mr Speaker.
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