On Demand Transport (ODT) Gold Coast

[achiruel]

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-11-05/public-transport-version-of-uber-coming-to-gold-coast/12830420

Public transport ride-sharing coming to Gold Coast, but will it help cut congestion?

A $2 million trial of the 'public transport version of Uber' on the Gold Coast is a step towards giving outer suburban residents a reliable alternative to cars, says a Griffith University researcher.

Griffith's Cities Research Institute's Benjamin Kaufman said demand responsive transport (DRT), or on-demand transit, provided options for people in outer suburbs who did not have regular bus routes.

"For most people, the bus stops aren't very convenient to get to and that means everyone really just wanted to drive their car," he said.

"The on-demand transit services that are planned now, they'll been feeding into ... the major train lines or bus stations you might imagine being the backbone of the network."

Has it worked before?

Mr Kaufman said "you can imagine it [DRT] as a public transport version of Uber" with around 30 trials conducted nationally, including one in Logan.

"Some of the services have been very successful, others less so," he said.

"As these systems come on board, are used and then some of them are cancelled due to a lack of apparent success, we are learning and learning."

Logan's DRT trial had been operating for three years and had delivered almost 110,000 trips, according to a Transport and Main Roads spokesperson.

While destinations are fixed, routes and pick-up times vary depending on who books the service.

While some trials in New South Wales used small buses, Logan's trial has used 50 regular or maxi-cabs across three separate areas with customers charged between $1.50 and $3.00 per trip.

Mr Kaufman said using traditional cabs had been a "good way to test out a service" but that there were "some limitations".

"There's a lack of visibility, on-demand services already don't have any fixed stops so you lack advertising for a service like that," he said.

"If the vehicles aren't branded, then it may be that people in the community don't actually know the services are available."

Who uses it?

Mr Kaufman said, for many, purchasing a car was unaffordable or they may not have the physical ability to drive.

"Young people in our society who don't have their driver's licence yet or our ageing population," he said.

"We need to allow them to still go shopping, still gain access to the medical attention they need, and still be members of society."

Mr Kaufman said the Gold Coast trial sites were "well placed" for DRT.

"It might take you 10 or 15 minutes to drive to your destination, to catch a bus might take you 45 [minutes]," he said.

"They're in some suburban places that have some public transit right now but if you want to catch a bus from anywhere near your house, it's probably a bit of a walk."

Is DRT needed?

The State Government has committed $755 million to build a second M1 highway along the northern Gold Coast — funding matched by the Federal Government.

Mr Kaufman said emerging alternatives to traditional public transport were needed to reduce congestion, with an over-reliance on cars putting additional funding pressure on governments to widen or duplicate highways.

"People, for now, have a strong connection to the car because we've put so much into making it the easiest way to get around," he said.

"We've continued pouring millions and millions of dollars into road expansions, which inevitably leads to more congestion in the future, but it's kind of a stop gap."

Mr Kaufman said governments must "re-evaluate the underlining assumptions" about how transport could change when committing to future infrastructure projects.

"There is definitely going to be increased competition in this market," he said.

"There could be a constriction of operational viability for taxi companies and Uber."

Key points:

• The State Government's demand responsive transport (DRT) or on-demand transit is coming to Nerang West, Highland Park and Pacific Pines next year
• Residents pre-book cabs or maxis, and ride-share to selected destinations like shopping centres and train stations
• It is offered as a flexible alternative to fixed bus routes or driving

[SurfRail]

They trialled this nearly 10 years ago in Pac Pines - it was called "Yourbus" and ran every half-hour.  Eventually replaced with a fixed route service.

Patronage was good, cost outcomes were not. 

For a lot of these places, all you really need is a proper bus service with a decent span of hours and reasonable headways, and in particular (for the west of the Gold Coast) good connectivity with trains.

[AnonymouslyBad]

Ew. Ew ew ew ew ew.

Look, DRT has its place, but anywhere in suburbia ain't it chief.

[STB]

My frank opinion on DRT is that it's simply a glorified taxi service, heavily subsidized and is simply like saying, we've failed to invest in public transport correctly with a decent bus network, so here's some taxis to fill in the gap since we can't be arsed to in funding more buses to run reasonably frequently and at a decent span of hours connecting with other services.

The only place DRT is good is getting into the nooks and crannies of suburban estates where traffic calming and narrow streets make buses impossible to provide with thanks to idiotic developers and even more idiotic urban planners.

[ozbob]

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/94136

Operator announced for Gold Coast on demand services
17th December 2021

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Gold Coast is one step closer to on demand transport, with an operator for an upcoming trial announced today.

Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said Surfside Buslines were successfully contracted to provide locals with convenient, accessible and reliable pre-booked on demand services.

"I committed to delivering more accessible transport options to the northern Gold Coast suburbs, and today we are one step closer to making that a reality," Ms Scanlon said.

"Surfside Buslines is a local oeprator that is known by many and I'm pleased to announce the company has been locked in for the two-year trial period.

"Surfside bring a wealth of experience as a public transport operator and as part of a network that also provides similar on demand transport trials in New Zealand.

"Accessibility is also at the forefront of this trial, with fully-accessible Hino Poncho minibuses to be used.

"The trial will commence next year, and be offered to locals within Nerang (West), Highland Park and the Pacific Pines suburbs to better connect with other public transport options, essential services and shopping precincts."

Ms Scanlon said on demand transport aims to bring together small groups of people looking to travel at the same time, picking them up near their homes and taking them to selected locations within the trial areas.

"In the Pacific Pines trial area customers will be able to travel to and from Helensvale station, Westfield Helensvale and Pacific Pines Town Centre," she said.

"The Nerang (West)/Highland Park trial area includes Nerang station, Nerang town centre, Nerang Fair, My Centre Nerang and Nerang Mall.

"On demand transport will help to fill the gap between regular bus services and more personalised services such as those offered by taxis or booked hire services.

"This trial is a great opportunity for the Gold Coast and one I am proud to be delivering as part of the Palaszczuk Government."

Matthew Campbell, Executive General Manager for Surfside Operator Kinetic, said Surfside was excited to expand its offering in the region.

"The geography of the Gold Coast is diverse and so are the travel needs, and it's important that through our partnership with TransLink we continue to offer public transport options that are responsive to customer feedback and travel behaviours," Mr Campbell said.

"As cities become increasingly intelligent and public transport users seek flexibility, demand responsive travel has an important role to play in the region's broader public transport system and this is something we have experienced in other cities where we have operated similar trials."

The on demand transport trial services will be integrated with the TransLink network, meaning that customers will be able to transfer to buses, trains and trams using their go card.

Customers will also be able to book services through a range of options including the Translink On Demand app, which will let customers pre-book and manage their bookings easily, track where their service is and receive real-time notifications.

More information on the trial and how it works is available at https://translink.com.au/travel-with-us/on-demand or by calling 13 12 30.

END

[achiruel]

Nothing for Upper Coomera and Oxenford is a little disappointing.

[SurfRail]

The Nerang area offers similar geographical coverage to what was in place before 2014 for late night services, when I was able to get home to Carrara until midnight on my local route.

The Pac Pines area seems to be a rerun of the "Mybus" service that operated out of Helensvale.

All of these were go card ticketed.

Hopefully the app and other back end arrangements mean this won't have the high operating cost those services came with.

But yes - every station south of Beenleigh needs something like this for most of its local catchment.  It would go a long way to filling the confidence gap for people heading south after a day up in Brisbane.

[ozbob]

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/94762

On Demand Transport to start on the Gold Coast

23rd March 2022

Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef and Minister for Science and Youth Affairs
The Honourable Meaghan Scanlon



The Gold Coast's newest mode of public transport kicks off on Monday, March 28, with on demand transport available seven days a week in Nerang, Highland Park and Pacific Pines.

Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said on demand transport aims to bring together people who are looking to travel at the same time, picking them up near their homes and taking them to and from selected key locations within a defined service area.

"This trial is part of the Palaszczuk Government's $326 million investment in bus infrastructure, and the broader Palaszczuk Government's 4-year record $27.5 billion roads and transport plan creating 24,000 jobs and driving Queensland's economic recovery from COVID-19," Minister Scanlon said.

"The two-year trial of on demand transport will improve public transport coverage for northern Gold Coast residents in locations where regular public transport services are not available or possible.

"Operating every day of the week, on demand is a flexible public transport option connecting people with essential services such as shopping, jobs, healthcare and the wider public transport network.

"Services will be integrated with the TransLink network, meaning that customers will be able to transfer to buses, trains and trams using their go card."

"Connecting our city is something I'm deeply passionate about having grown up west of the M1 which is why I made this election commitment that we're delivering".

Minister Scanlon said on demand transport is pre-booked to maximise convenience for customers with bookings able to be made via the Translink On Demand app, over the phone or online.

"Customers using the Translink On Demand app will be able to manage their bookings easily, track where their service is and receive real-time notifications," she said.

"When booking, customers will be directed to a pickup point close to their booking location."

Customers can also book their return journey when they are ready.

Key locations will have fixed pick up and drop off points. Other pickup points across the zones may vary as they will not be restricted to using fixed bus stops or signage. This flexible approach is aimed at enhancing convenience and choice for customers.

"In the Pacific Pines trial area customers will be able to travel to and from the key locations of Helensvale station, Westfield Helensvale and Pacific Pines Town Centre.

"In the Nerang/Highland Park trial area the key locations include Nerang station, multiple stops in Nerang town centre, My Centre Nerang and Nerang Mall.

"If you have a disability such as a mobility or vision impairment and can't easily or safely get to a pickup point we will aim to pick you up from your door. Make a note of your accessibility requirements in your profile settings when you register."

Gold Coast public transport operator Surfside Buslines, owned by Kinetic, will run small buses - known as ponchos - in the service areas.

Matthew Campbell, Kinetic's Executive General Manager for Queensland, said Surfside was excited to expand its offering in the region.

"The geography of the Gold Coast is diverse and so are the travel needs, and it's important that through our partnership with TransLink we continue to offer public transport options that are responsive to customer feedback and travel behaviours," Mr Campbell said.

"As cities become increasingly intelligent and public transport users seek flexibility, demand responsive travel has an important role to play in the region's broader public transport system and this is something we have experienced in other cities where we have operated similar trials.

Minister Scanlon said other Palaszczuk Government transport news on the Gold Coast includes the $1.044 billion Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3, Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads, currently in construction.

On demand transport will be free for seniors and veterans travelling during off-peak hours (8.30am to 3.30pm on weekdays and all day on weekends). To be eligible you must be a resident of the Gold Coast, and you must have a sticker on your Seniors go card.

More information on the trial and how it works is available at translink.com.au/ondemand or by calling 13 12 30.

ENDS

[SurfRail]

This is a good start and I think is likely to be the best performing trial because of the vehicles being used and the fare integration. Keen to see how this works out. 

When the old Route 20/20A services had late night demand responsive trips the patronage was generally good, and could be relied on when coming home from Brisbane in the evening as the last trip left Nerang at 11:36pm.  The Yourbus trial around 10 years ago (which was basically the northern area of this trial) was similar but was killed due to cost.

Preferably the southern area would have included my old stomping ground around Boonooroo Park / Pappas Way, but it seems to cover more than the old service did geographically.

What I would like to see is each Gold Coast station having basically a west of M1 area and east of M1 area, in addition to the fixed route services, and with a slightly better span of weekend service.  Then, services like this should be expanded to other regions.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/TransLinkSEQ/status/1506535482322460676

[ozbob]

[Jonno]

Interested to see others perspectives. 

These may be a great alternative to the "wandering bus routes".  Keep the bus routes to the main roads and then for those that can't walk or cycle to the bus stop (or where the road layout makes that really hard) these service create the connection "on-demand".  May play a key role in helping placate the "don't take my bus route" crowd in a network design review.   

Or just allow those with mobility challenges to access their 15min Neighbourhood.

[ozbob]

Queensland Parliament

Question on Notice

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2022/15-2022.pdf

No. 15

Asked on 22 February 2022

MRS L GERBER ASKED MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS (HON M BAILEY)

QUESTION:

With reference to the Translink On Demand Transport trial operating on the Gold Coast—
Will the Minister advise the metrics that will be used to determine success or otherwise of the
trial?

ANSWER:

I thank the Member for Currumbin for the question.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is conducting a two-year trial of on-demand transport (ODT) within the Gold Coast suburbs of Nerang, Highland Park and Pacific Pines to improve accessibility to essential services and the wider public transport network.

The trial will determine if ODT can provide these communities with an efficient, reliable and attractive public transport option which can improve social mobility, reduce car dependency and provide better access to the wider TransLink public transport network and key locations in the community. The trial will also determine if ODT is financially sustainable and suitable for consideration as an alternative transport option in other areas across the State. As such, TMR has established a robust evidenced-based-approach to measuring, monitoring and reporting against performance objectives in order to determine success. As part of the trial evaluation, TMR will regularly assess customer feedback on the service, and make adjustments to the service to best respond to the needs of the community.

Further, it will measure performance metrics such as patronage, service reliability, vehicle occupancies across the span of operations for the duration of the trial. This qualitative and quantitative assessment approach will assist in helping to determine whether the trial has met its objectives.

[ozbob]

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2022/445-2022.pdf

Queensland Parliament

Question on Notice
No. 445
Asked on 12 May 2022

MRS L GERBER ASKED MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS (HON M BAILEY)

QUESTION:

With reference to the Translink On Demand trial operating on the Gold Coast, for each of the
performance metrics outlined in Question on Notice No. 15 asked on 22 February 2022—
Will the Minister outline the department's target for the trial, e.g. vehicle occupancies is one metric
quoted in Question on Notice No. 15, how many passenger occupancies is the target for the trial?

ANSWER:

I thank the Member for Currumbin for the question.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is conducting a two-year trial of on-demand
transport (ODT) within the Gold Coast suburbs of Nerang, Highland Park and Pacific Pines. This
department trial is focused on connecting residents to the wider Translink public transport network
and also key locations within their community.
TMR advises there are a number of success factors for the trial, including improving mobility for
residents and increasing their ability to better access essential services such as shopping,
healthcare and employment. Patronage and occupancy forecasts were developed during the
service design process and based on benchmarks for similar scaled deployments of ODT around
the world, then adjusted for local conditions.

This project is aiming to achieve:

. an average of 120 passenger trips per day (equating to approximately three to seven
passengers per vehicle hour) for Pacific Pines
. an average of 270 passenger trips per day (equating to approximately four to eight
passengers per vehicle hour) for Nerang or Highland Park

. that all passengers who have successfully made a booking are not required to wait longer
than 30 minutes from their time of booking

. no more than 400m walk for customers within the roam zone to access a service

. customers with a disability, who cannot safely or easily get to a pickup point, will be picked
up from their door within the roam zone.

TMR will continue to actively monitor and evaluate the trial to determine if ODT is providing these
communities with an efficient, reliable and attractive public transport option.

[SurfRail]

I went for a ride on the Pac Pines one last weekend.  It was a trip purely for the sake of taking a trip as part of a wider wander around the GC.  Caught conventional Route 714 to the Pac Pines Town Centre, picked up a snack from Brumby's, then caught the DRT service back to Helensvale to go onwards.  Worked pretty much fine was my observation.

One of the punters already onboard was having a discussion with the driver about how the algorithms need some work to fine-tune timing (generally seems to allow too much time or too little time depending on circumstance).  The fact it runs roughly half-hourly is a big plus, anything less than that and it becomes too unpredictable.

The variability of timing will always be a limiting factor with these unless they are running very frequently, in which case you would probably need to look at putting on a fixed route bus or throwing more resources at the ones that already exist.  Pac Pines is probably an ideal market for it since the place is near fully built out, although there are a few bits around the periphery that could be added (eg the areas a bit further west around Maudsland Road and Riverstone Crossing, which has no public transport access beyond what is a a fair hike to route 727).  Compared to the very similar "Yourbus" service that ran about 10 years ago in the same neck of the woods, the advantage now is that there are more frequent services to connect you to the busier destinations from Helensvale (light rail and more frequent peak hour trains in particular), although if you are wanting to connect to an hourly or less frequent bus route you have to allow a fairly wide margin to make the connection.

I will give the Nerang one a crack at some point.  I have family who live at 2 separate locations within the footprint, both homes being walkable to a fixed route service but just slightly off route - in one case down a cul-de-sac street, and in the other on a stretch of arterial road no bus traverses.  Would be keen to see just how far the bus will deviate away from the nearest fixed bus stops.  It will also be a bit of nostalgia - I relied on a similar arrangement for getting back home to Carrara after dark for around 10 years while at uni and in the earlier stage of my career - before the Newman Government changes in 2014 made it effectively impossible to get home on public transport to where I lived at the time.  (That forced a move to a much better location and convinced me that you should never, ever move somewhere on the expectation that the transport system will get better.)

[ozbob]

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2023/124-2023.pdf

Question on Notice
No. 124
Asked on 14 March 2023

MR S MINNIKIN ASKED MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS (HON M BAILEY)

QUESTION:
With reference to the TransLink On Demand trial occurring on the Gold Coast—

Will the Minister provide the performance metrics for the first year of operation in the same format
as the project aims outlined in Question on Notice No. 445 asked on 12 May 2022?
ANSWER:
I thank the Member for Chatsworth for the question.

The two-year trial of on-demand transport (ODT) within the Gold Coast suburbs of Pacific
Pines and Nerang/Highland Park has been successful to date in improving mobility for local
residents and increasing their ability to better access essential services such as shopping,
healthcare and employment.

In regard to the performance metrics previously outlined in my response to Question on Notice
No. 445, tabled on 15 June 2022, I am pleased to advise that over the first year of the trial
the following has been achieved:

. over 60,000 trips have been taken since its launch
. Pacific Pines is exceeding the two-year target (120 passenger trips per day) with an
average of 150 passenger trips per day being taken during the week
. Nerang is also moving around 150 passengers per day during the week, just over half of
the two-year target (270 passenger trips per day)
. approximately 98 per cent of passengers are being picked up within 30 minutes of their
accepted booking
. on average, customers are walking 36 metres to a pickup point, well within the target of
400 metres
. over 1925 trips have been undertaken by customers with a disability who were picked up
from their door.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads will continue to actively monitor and evaluate the
trial to determine if ODT is still providing these communities with an efficient, reliable and
attractive public transport option.

The Palaszczuk Government is delivering on its commitment to implement the On Demand trial
in Nerang West, Highland Park and Pacific Pines.

[ozbob]

Queensland Parliament

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2024/845-2024.pdf

Question on Notice
No. 845
Asked on 14 June 2024

MR S MINNIKIN ASKED MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS AND MINISTER
FOR DIGITAL SERVICES (HON B MELLISH)

QUESTION:

With reference to the Translink On Demand trial occurring on the Gold Coast—
Will the Minister (a) provide the performance metrics for the second year of operation in the same
format as the project aims outlined in answer to Question on Notice No. 445 asked on 12 May
2022 and (b) advise why the trial is being extended beyond its two-year trial period, and (c) advise
the new end date of the trial?

ANSWER: > https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2024/845-2024.pdf

[ozbob]

Government Statement

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/101003

Miles doing what matters: All aboard for 50c fares, GC On Demand extension

2nd August 2024

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Planning and Minister for Public Works
The Honourable Meaghan Scanlon

. Miles Government extends Gold Coast On Demand Transport (ODT) as 50 cent fares begin next week

. Cheaper public transport applies to ODT as well as buses, trains and light rail across Gold Coast and south east

. More than 184,000 trips taken in first phases of ODT trial

Gold Coasters commuters will tap onto saving when the Miles Government's 50 cent public transport fares begins on Monday, August 5.

The cheaper public transport applies to buses, trains, light rail as well as the city's ODT trial, which Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon announced would be extended.

Meaghan Scanlon secured the ODT trial, which offers a more personalised public transport service in locations where regular public transport services are not available or possible.

It means people can continue to connect with essential services, shops and employment as well as connecting with other public transport services.

Patronage on the service has grown steadily with more than 184,000 passenger trips taken since it was introduced.

ODT is regularly used by commuters, with 45 per cent of users traveling to and from work, and 68 per cent of trips connecting with other forms of public transport.

More > https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/101003

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Nerang and Pacific Pines residents see bus to the door service continued with 50 cent fares $

A popular on-demand bus service trial has been green-lit to continue ahead of the long-awaited launch of 50c public transport fares.

Housing Minister and Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon on Friday announced the On Demand Transport Trial (ODT), which sees buses collect and drop off residents in their streets at Nerang and Pacific Pines, would be extended beyond its original two-year run, which began in 2022. ...