Perth’s south-eastern suburban bus services are about to get a revamp – with some cutbacks
April 13, 2011
A number of changes to bus operations in the south-east quadrant of Perth’s metropolitan area are about to be introduced.
WA Transport Minister Troy Buswell says a new service starting on May 9 will replace route 529 between Armadale and Cockburn Central Station, which was given a six months trial.
“The new service is being introduced in response to community and passenger requests, and reflects the growing range of destinations developing around Murdoch, as well as the benefits of connecting the two Armadale and Mandurah railway lines,” Buswell says.
“We understand there will be disappointment among those who did use route 529.
“However, while the trial was given as much support as possible, including extensive public consultation and promotion, widespread local media coverage and an extension from three months to six months, it did not attract the necessary patronage,” Buswell says.
The route 529 trial required patronage figures of 31 in the morning peak, 23 in the evening peak and 21 off-peak to warrant permanent operation.
Throughout the busiest month of March, it averaged only seven, six and four respectively.
“Bus services require a substantial State subsidy, so we must utilise them in areas where experience and expertise indicate they’ll provide greatest benefit to the wider community and where the route represents logical and efficient operation,” Buswell says.
To allow enough time for changes to be implemented, 529 will finish on May 6, with the new service starting on May 9.
The existing Monday to Saturday Route 519 will be amended to serve new areas in Forrestdale with selected trips extending to Armadale Station.
Buswell says this will serve new communities along Nicholson Road by providing a connection between Murdoch and Armadale at a 30-minute frequency and 60 minutes in the off-peak.
A new 518 service will also start between Piara Waters, Harrisdale and Murdoch Station, operating Monday to Saturday co-ordinated with route 517, which also operates on Sundays.