Demand Responsive Transport for Logan

[SurfRail]

https://haveyoursay.translink.com.au/demand-responsive-transport

[BrizCommuter]

Have TMR bought some passenger carrying drones that can't fly?

[ozbob]

This is just the equivalent of FlexiLink ..

Couriermail Quest --> New age approach to public transport with dial-a-ride trial to start in Logan

QUEENSLAND is about to trial a "new age" approach to public transport, with plans for a 'dial-a-ride' program to start this year.

The trial for Demand Responsive Transport will start in Logan in September.

Under the program, eligible commuters will be able to ring up or go online and pre-book a ride to get to an appointment or to a transport hub for the same cost as a TransLink fare.

Consultation began last week after deputy premier and Transport Minister Jackie Trad dropped in to Logan to kick off the venture.

She said residents in isolated areas which were not serviced by public transport, would benefit from improved connections to local shops, medical facilities and transit hubs.

"This is an innovative solution to a very common problem, providing an affordable, accessible public transport option to locations where a traditional mass transit service may not be practical," Ms Trad said.

Ms Trad paid tribute to the Queensland Community Alliance, a group of churches, charities and community organisations.

State member for Waterford Shannon Fentiman, who is also the Social Services Minister, encouraged all residents in outlying suburbs who wanted better and more frequent public transport to get involved in consultation ahead of the trial.

Locations for the trial will be released during public consultations.

"This kind of transport solution is all about connecting the community and removing barriers that cause social isolation and it's great to see it kick off in Logan," Ms Fentiman said.

[Mr X]

Is this like a bus that is sent out on demand, or a taxi with a go card etc.?

As someone who lives in a place which is 3km from an hourly (if lucky...) bus service in Logan, this is awesome news.

[ozbob]

FlexiLink was rolled out big time in Ipswich a few years ago.  It generally failed for a lot of reasons, but a little still survives.

[ https://translink.com.au/travel-with-us/taxi-and-community-transport/flexilink-and-community-transport ]

It is useful provided you can pre-book.   Reliability is still an issue with FlexiLink, I expect similar issues with this DRT in Logan will surface in time as well.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/917315966832328704

[achiruel]

Is this like a bus that is sent out on demand, or a taxi with a go card etc.?

As someone who lives in a place which is 3km from an hourly (if lucky...) bus service in Logan, this is awesome news.

It's a taxi, but it doesn't use a go card. Ridiculous!

[ozbob]

DRT app and online booking system now available!

It's now even easier for Logan residents to book their next DRT trip with the launch of our new MyDRTLogan app and online booking system!

>> https://translink.com.au/news-and-media/news/MyDRTLogan-launch

[achiruel]

The goods news, is you can now book travel 2 hours in advance instead of 8 (which was a bit too long, IMO. 2 hours is reasonable).

[ozbob]

The goods news, is you can now book travel 2 hours in advance instead of 8 (which was a bit too long, IMO. 2 hours is reasonable).

Yes, much much better.  The ill fated FlexiLink trial at Ipswich you had to book at least 24 hours in advance.  No wonder it fell over ...

[achiruel]

Perhaps TransLink should look at doing DRT in Ipswich as well, using what they've learned from the Logan trial. Particularly in areas where it's difficult to justify a full-time route bus service, e.g. Karalee, Barellan Point etc.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/TransLinkSEQ/status/1040478903213666304

[Golliwog]

I hadn't heard if there's been any interim reports on the success (or failure?) of the trial.

Is anyone down in the Logan area and made use of the service?

[AnonymouslyBad]

I hadn't heard if there's been any interim reports on the success (or failure?) of the trial.

Is anyone down in the Logan area and made use of the service?

I found this, which might be useful: http://www.movingpeople.com.au/LiteratureRetrieve.aspx?ID=244895

There's been growth in patronage, so I guess it's not a total fizzle. I'd still be surprised if it's caught on as well as they hoped. Reads very much like they're still ferrying 1 or maybe 2 passengers at a time.

The issue with DRT is that it has most of the downsides of a scheduled bus route without any of the advantages.
As a discounted maxi-taxi service, go for it. Positioning it as a bus replacement, less so.

With the resources that go into coordinating mostly-empty DRT "buses" you think it'd be far simpler, far more efficient, and far more legible to the public to just have a universal subsidy system. Live in a designated zone where PT isn't walkable? A taxi (or some equivalent) will accept your go card (or some flat fare) for connections to and from PT. Simple as that. Not that hard to implement since similar subsidies are already in use all over Qld, and it wouldn't cost too much either ... unless it's an area that should've had a real bus in the first place.

[ozbob]

https://translink.com.au/DRTtrialcontinuation

DRT Logan trial continuation

We're pleased to announce the Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) Logan trial is continuing for another two years, through to 30 June 2021.

This extension means customers in areas where buses and trains aren't available can continue to catch a DRT to local services, shopping centres and stations to access TransLink's wider public transport network.

The extension will also be used to inform future planning and improvements and allow us to understand the feasibility of DRT services generally.

There are no immediate changes proposed for the service, however should changes be necessary we will provide you with notice.

You can find out more about DRT by visiting our DRT webpage, calling 13 12 30 or by downloading the MyDRTLogan app.