Taxi & Paratransit for CSO Routing (renamed thread)

[#Metro]

CSO = Community Service Obligation Routings


Cannon Hill TaxiBus?

I think TransLink should do away with FlexiLink branding and call it TransLink TaxiBus. In
August the Taxi Council expressed interest in running some bus routes currently operated
by Brisbane Transport. There is no reason why taxis cannot be operated on a fixed route
and fixed schedule like a bus, or stop at bus stops like a bus. With removable magnetic
banner signs that stick to the vehicle a taxi could also display the TransLink logo and
route number. Fixed route Taxibuses could also be input into the search database on the
TransLink website.

There are many parts of Brisbane where (a) terrain is hilly, fragmented and behind multiple
layers of anti-bus traffic calming, (b) passenger volumes are very low and (c) difficult for
a BCC bus to manoeuvre. Rather than TransLink buying minibuses, MaxiTaxis could be used.

Example 'coverage service, Cannon Hill'



Taxis in bid for failing bus routes
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/taxis-in-bid-for-failing-bus-routes-20140826-
108m4s.html

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=zo2O13ByWclc.krO83ZLBTzsI

[#Metro]

BCC already runs taxis...along these lines. TransLink TaxiBuses should be considered in the contestability process.

http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/traffic-transport/public-transport/special-taxi-services/personalised-public-transport

Aspley
This service runs Monday to Friday, except for public and school holidays.

Bald Hills
This service runs Monday to Friday, except public holidays.

the first trip departs from Bald Hills Road at the intersection of Godfrey Street then travels in a clockwise loop to Cullimore Street to set down outside the railway station. Subsequent trips run on a continuous loop basis
in the afternoon, the first service leaves the Bald Hills railway station with subsequent trips running on an anti-clockwise continuous loop basis

Carindale Hills
This service runs Monday to Friday, except public holidays.

Calamvale
This service runs Monday to Friday, except for public and school holidays.

Drewvale
This service has been replaced by TransLink service route 153.

Hemmant
This service runs Monday to Friday, except for public and school holidays.

Karana Downs
This service runs Monday to Saturday, except public holidays.

Upper Brookfield
This service runs Monday to Friday, except public holidays.

Wynnum - Manly
This service runs Sunday only.

[#Metro]

Check out this website
TransitCare http://www.transitcare.com.au/

Expanded door to door services by Community Sector operators and TaxiBuses may be a solution for some coverage routes, permitting the buses to specialise more in patronage oriented services, while still retaining CSO obligations.

BCC already does this to some extent with PPT services which are privatised  to Black and White Cabs.

[ozbob]

For interest ...

Ipswich City Council - Ipswich City Hearts Cab program

--> http://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/community/seniors

Travel from home to your local Shopping Centre for only $2.00 each way person.

Eligible members of the community (seniors, people with disabilities and their carers) will be allowed to travel by taxi from home to their designated shopping precinct for only $2.00.  This is an initiative of Ipswich City Council in partnership with Yellow Cabs.

How does the program work?

The service is available in selected suburbs and will operate on designated days (see below for more information).  To book a taxi, you will need to contact Yellow Cabs on (07) 3363 2373 before midday on the day before you wish to travel.  Then, on the date requested, the taxi will pick you up from your home at approximately 9.00am and take you to your designated shopping precinct.  You will then be collected by taxi at 12.30pm and returned home.

Who is eligible to participate in the Program?

You must be in receipt of a full Australian Government Age Pension or a full Disability Support Pension, and your carer (if applicable) must be in receipt of a full Australian Government Carer's Allowance. In addition, you must reside in an approved suburb.

See below for suburb listing and participating Shopping Centres:

Booval Fair
Brassall Shopping Centre
Orion Town Centre
Redbank Plaza )
Riverlink_Ipswich City Square

For more information please contact Ipswich City Council Seniors & Disabilities Community Development Officer, Karri Browne, ph: (07) 3810 6646 or email: kbrowne@ipswich.qld.gov.au.

[SurfRail]

They need to make sure they actually keep costs down and select proper areas.  YourBus operating out of Helensvale was successful patronagewise but very expensive to operate, which ultimately pointed to the need to just put on a proper bus route (which they did in January, albeit not quite as good as it was before).

[aldonius]

Well, this approach would certainly eliminate most of our Hills District routing problems.