Article: Falling passenger numbers on some routes forces review of Metro bus ser

[ozbob]

Mercury --> Falling passenger numbers on some routes forces review of Metro bus services in Hobart

WITH empty buses continuing to travel along some of Hobart's streets, getting Tasmanians to use public transport continues to be a major challenge.

According to a Legislative Council report, Hobart has the lowest reported public transport patronage in Australia.

The Upper House committee report, produced last year, said an integrated system including public and private buses, light rail and ferries would best meet the transport needs of Southern Tasmanians.

State-owned bus operator Metro Tasmania admits there has been a downward trend in public bus patronage in recent years, with services being reviewed in an effort to reverse it.

Metro CEO Heather Haselgrove, right, with then Transport Minister Nick McKim last year.

Metro CEO Heather Haselgrove, right, with then Transport Minister Nick McKim last year. Source: News Limited

A trial of a "turn up and go" high-frequency service between Hobart and Glenorchy has shown promise, resulting in a 5.4 per cent increase in passenger numbers.

Between November to March, 735,289 people caught the service — which involves buses travelling at 10-minute intervals.

Metro chief executive Heather Haselgrove said under-patronised bus services could face the axe if necessary to boost services in other areas.

"If a service isn't being used and we know there's a need elsewhere, we have to make some hard decisions," she said.

"Metro will be reviewing all of its bus services and the aim of the trial was to test whether increases in frequency actually increased patronage.

"If that's the case, we have to work out how we build that into our current contract with government."

Ms Haselgrove said steps taken by Metro to attract passengers included a journey planner on the Metro website, highly visible marketing campaigns, the Greencard ticketing system and investing in new buses ...

More --> http://www.themercury.com.au/news/tasmania/falling-passenger-numbers-on-some-routes-forces-review-of-metro-bus-services-in-hobart/story-fnj4f7k1-1226875628815

[#Metro]

Hobart has one of the worst, low frequency, completely illegible messes that has been inflicted upon the populace. 
I have personally used Metro, it is rubbish. Hopefully they take the entire network, toss it into the bin and start again.

"Metro will be reviewing all of its bus services and the aim of the trial was to test whether increases in frequency actually increased patronage.

^^ Very concerning to hear this. Makes it sound like they have been in a cave and oblivious to developments and research over the past 10 years.