Despite the perception that Perth runs faster through its resources boom, buses could be lagging
July 10, 2012
WA’s buses are running late, and Perth politician believes it’s down to lack of foresight in not buying enough vehicles.
Labor’s transport spokesman Ken Travers says data showing a third of Perth buses ran behind schedule highlights WA Premier Colin Barnett’s focus on pet Perth CBD projects.
Travers says bus punctuality hit a record low of 71 percent in May, and he is blaming Barnett’s decision not to order enough buses four years ago.
“The 71 percent figure is for bus services operating throughout the whole day so it is likely that during peak times more than half the buses are running late,” Travers says.
“We are trying to squeeze more people on to our buses and every time a bus stops to pick up passengers it adds time to the trip.
“If you are picking up 15 more passengers that alone can easily add four minutes to a trip.”
Travers says the PTA warned the Barnett Government more than three years ago that more buses and trains were needed.
“We need more buses to keep up with future growth and play catch up on the growth that’s happened over the past three years,” Travers says.
Travers claims the Barnett Government spends about a quarter of the money the previous Labor government spent on expanding the capacity of public transport in Western Australia.
“Therein lies the problem,” says Travers.