Melbourne: SkyBus

[ozbob]

From the Melbourne Age click here!

SkyBus lane faces fight

SkyBus lane faces fight
January 4, 2013
Adam Carey

THE SkyBus would get its own lane on CityLink and the Tullamarine Freeway and have its fares slashed under a government plan to combat peak-hour congestion that is increasingly blowing out travel times between the airport and the city.

But the proposal, which involves turning emergency lanes into bus lanes on the freeway and the Bolte Bridge and putting SkyBus on a myki fare, is being challenged by CityLink operator Transurban, because it would limit its toll revenue, and by Melbourne Airport, because it would reduce its car parking profits.

Details of the Melbourne Airport bus rapid transit project were revealed to Fairfax Media through freedom of information. The aim of the Transport Department project is to put in place a ''first-stage mass transit link to the airport in advance of a rail link''.

SkyBus was designed to provide a 20-minute run between Southern Cross Station and the airport but is consistently failing to do this during peak periods, with times blowing out to as much as 51 minutes in the morning and 59 minutes in the afternoon peak.

A study by engineering and consulting firm Parsons Brinckerhoff found that ''the future will see a continuation of the significant but relatively gradual degradation of travel time on the CBD-airport bus route''.

The study provided three options for improving travel times, with the department's preferred one involving creating an express bus lane and putting SkyBus on a public transport fare.

A 2011 briefing to Transport Minister Terry Mulder said: ''Putting SkyBus on a Met fare and enforcing express lanes would significantly reduce travel time on the express lanes without significantly affecting travel times on the non-express lanes.''

It added that more detailed traffic modelling would need to be done.

But the briefing, by former director of public transport Hector McKenzie, warned that airport management had signalled it would expect financial compensation.

''The bus rapid transit study has also estimated a ... drop in car parking at Melbourne Airport with the estimated ... increase in Skybus patronage,'' Mr McKenzie wrote.

''Melbourne Airport has indicated that this would be a significant reduction in revenue, and that compensation through an appropriate access charge would be expected.''

Figures on the estimated drop in car parking revenue and increased SkyBus patronage were deleted from documents provided to Fairfax Media.

SkyBus transports about 2 million passengers annually, and the figure is growing. If the trend continues, it will carry 4 million people a year by 2026. It is privately run with a portion of profits going to the state government. It charges $17 for a one-way trip.

SkyBus is understood to pay Melbourne Airport an access fee of $1.50 per passenger. The airport would seek to impose a much higher fee. An Australian Competition and Consumer Commission report last year found that Melbourne Airport made an annual $87 million profit from car parking.

The SkyBus lane would be created relatively cheaply by removing the emergency lane and nominally narrowing the other lanes.

However, Transurban is believed to be bargaining hard to ensure it is not locked out from any extra lane on CityLink. A spokeswoman said: ''Transurban supports any further augmentation of CityLink for the benefit of all the travelling public.''

CityLink currently has right-hand transit lanes for high-occupancy vehicles, but this is unenforced and ignored by many drivers. The proposed bus lane would carry a SkyBus every 1½ to three minutes during peak times, carrying about 1200 passengers an hour, with a maximum 20-minute time.

The study warned: ''Negative comments from motorists may ensue from the use of motorway lanes by what would be 40 buses per hour or less.''

Its proposed solution was to also allow taxis and limousines into the lane. The study also proposed the lane could be used for new high-speed bus routes with major park-and-ride stations from suburbs including Essendon Fields, Westmeadows and Kealba.

Public Transport Victoria spokeswoman Andrea Duckworth said: ''The government does not have immediate plans to install myki readers on SkyBus or widen CityLink.''

Ms Duckworth said the investigation into a bus rapid transit lane was part of the government's $6.5 million airport rail link study.

''PTV's focus is on completing the rail link study, including identifying the best route for a rail line,'' she said.

Melbourne Airport spokeswoman Anna Gillett would not say how much compensation the airport would seek from the government if the bus lane plan ate into its car parking profits.

''We have been working with the government on the rapid bus transit lane study ... and support any initiatives that will assist SkyBus to minimise travel time and also help to reduce congestion on the Tullamarine Freeway,'' Ms Gillett said.

The northern section of the freeway is currently used by about 42,000 vehicles a day, which exceeds its 40,000-vehicle capacity.

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/travel/travel-news/skybus-lane-faces-fight-20130103-2c7ib.html#ixzz2Gw1rX5hd

[Jonno]

But the proposal, which involves turning emergency lanes into bus lanes on the freeway and the Bolte Bridge and putting SkyBus on a myki fare, is being challenged by CityLink operator Transurban, because it would limit its toll revenue, and by Melbourne Airport, because it would reduce its car parking profits.

...and here it is in black and white! Toll operators and airports are financially incentivised to increase car usage despite all planning documents seeking to reduce or car dependency.

[SurfRail]

Maybe Parliament should grow some balls and legislate so as to void the vested interests' entitlement to compensation.  Do they honestly think paying them out will win votes?

Not like they really need more motorways or airports in Melbourne, so if the government p%sses off the operators what will they to do?  Relocate the infrastructure to Dimboola?

[somebody]

Maybe Parliament should grow some balls and legislate so as to void the vested interests' entitlement to compensation.  Do they honestly think paying them out will win votes?

Not like they really need more motorways or airports in Melbourne, so if the government p%sses off the operators what will they to do?  Relocate the infrastructure to Dimboola?

I agree.  It's a debacle that Skybus have to pay for its stop at Melbourne Airport.

[ozbob]

Melbourne Age --> SkyBus fares hit new high as company jacks up price of ticket to Melbourne Airport

[brissypete]

Makes the 901 and train even better value especially if already using PT a lot its essentially free.

Sent from my E6653 using Tapatalk

[verbatim9]

Yes will make 901 more attractive. Public Transport to and from most Australian Airports
is a rort.

[BrizCommuter]

Maybe Parliament should grow some balls and legislate so as to void the vested interests' entitlement to compensation.  Do they honestly think paying them out will win votes?

Not like they really need more motorways or airports in Melbourne, so if the government p%sses off the operators what will they to do?  Relocate the infrastructure to Dimboola?

I agree.  It's a debacle that Skybus have to pay for its stop at Melbourne Airport.

Lets hope they increase their frequency at peak times as well. Had to wait 30 mins to board at Southern X in late 2014 - disgraceful given the cost!

[ozbob]

SkyBus --> SkyBus to run new Airport Express service between St Kilda and Tullamarine Airport

Melbourne, Australia -- SkyBus, operators of Melbourne's express CBD to airport transport service, today announced that it will shuttle passengers between St Kilda and Melbourne Airport, starting this winter.

SkyBus' ubiquitous red buses will make the trip directly from the Port Phillip suburb to Tullamarine Airport, with a frequent travel schedule.

SkyBus has taken over the route currently being managed by Frankston and Peninsula Airport Shuttle, and will significantly increase the service with departures leaving St Kilda every 30 minutes from 6.30am until 7.30pm, 7 days a week. This increase in shuttles provides a consistency in service not previously available to those traveling to and from the St Kilda area.

Michael Sewards, Director of SkyBus, said: "We are excited to bring our vehicles to St Kilda and offer both locals and travellers an outstanding service. This new offering makes traveling from the airport to the unique and iconic St Kilda area even more cost effective and accessible than ever before. The route is more direct and will offer the amenities that our customers have come to expect and appreciate about SkyBus – free WiFi, online ticketing options, luggage racks and superior service to other local transport options."

The addition of this new service line not only provides an express travel option between St Kilda and Tullamarine Airport at a more cost effective fare, but also provides service over a wider range of hours, both on the weekend and weekdays.

Laura Cavallo, Chief Executive of Destination Melbourne, said: "St Kilda is an iconic destination within Melbourne, with thousands of travellers and residents coming in and out of the area daily. Having an express and cost-effective service that's guaranteed to shuttle locals and visitors in and out of the area is fantastic. We are thrilled to have a dedicated SkyBus route between St Kilda and Tullamarine Airport."

St Kilda and the Port Phillip area is home to more than 25 hotels, who are overwhelmingly in favour of seeing the big red bus in their neighbourhood. With the implementation of this new service, SkyBus will also provide hotels with the ability to book airport shuttle services online – an added benefit to both the hotel and their guests.

Denise Castro, General Manager of St Kilda Tourism & Events, said: "This is a great service for the local residents and visitors to our shores. St Kilda has so many icons that are associated with Melbourne and seeing the red SkyBus shuttling between the area and airport will be another one. Getting to St Kilda from the airport has become much easier thanks to SkyBus."

Adult One way fares between St Kilda and Melbourne Airport will be $19, with return trips costing $38. Families can take advantage of SkyBus' discounted fares – as on all SkyBus services, children 16 and under travel free when they are booked with an adult fare. For frequent travellers, tickets can be purchased in advanced in blocks of 20, making single-journey trips only $17 per trip. Tickets can be purchased online, via smartphone or at dedicated kiosks.

"We at SkyBus are proud of the services we provide to travellers coming in and out of Melbourne and this new service only enhances our offerings and traveller's experiences. As a local resident I know how important and unique St Kilda is as a tourist destination within Melbourne, and I'm thrilled that we are making it more accessible than ever," said Adam Begg, Director of SkyBus.

SkyBus' St Kilda to Tullamarine airport services will commence this winter.

[ozbob]

St Kilda SkyBus clear for take-off https://t.co/oSMXTRsf8s

— Paul Hamer (@PaulHamer) August 4, 2016

[SurfRail]

Their 10th double deck is about to enter service with more to come.

[ozbob]

Their 10th double deck is about to enter service with more to come.

Still haven't managed a ride yet in a Sky Bus DD.  Hopefully next trip (Jan 2017 at this stage). odds are improving!

[ozbob]

This Sunday SkyBus launches its St Kilda Express Service to @Melair! See more info > https://t.co/mrjOMceT2c pic.twitter.com/6MiFIzfCtM

— SkyBus Melbourne (@skybusmelbourne) August 10, 2016

[ozbob]

Express airport transfers to St Kilda commencing 14th August 2016

>> https://www.skybus.com.au/st-kilda-express-service/

[ozbob]

SkyBus St Kilda Service was opened on Sunday 14th Aug by the Hon Martin Foley MP. Check out https://t.co/xddWWyryPv pic.twitter.com/MQnxq4fWCA

— SkyBus Melbourne (@skybusmelbourne) August 15, 2016

[SurfRail]

A friend of mine made a point of riding the inaugural service to the airport (just for the sake of the ride) - he said he was one of 16 passengers.

[ozbob]

Melbourne Age --> SkyBus can co-exist with Melbourne Airport rail link, says shuttle bus chief

A rail link to Melbourne Airport should not come at the expense of SkyBus, because there is no guarantee enough passengers would use the train line, according to the head of the express shuttle company.

A few weeks after Infrastructure Victoria recommended a rail line should eventually be built to meet the city's long-term needs, SkyBus has weighed into the debate, saying it already provides a "world class service" in airport transport.

"The reality is, just because you build an airport rail, it doesn't mean people want to use it," said the company's director, Michael Sewards.

"Yes, let's plan for the next 15 or 30 years, but let's also be somewhat sensible in this conversation by recognising we've had a service for over 38 years, which over 50 million passengers have used. We think we can co-exist with rail and provide a very competitive offering."

Mr Sewards' comments are the first time SkyBus has entered the debate since Infrastructure Victoria's draft strategy was released this month.

Among its 134 recommendations, Infrastructure Victoria suggested that a Melbourne Airport rail link ought to built within 15 to 30 years to meet passenger growth. The airport expects passenger demand will exceed 60 million by 2033. In the meantime, the strategy suggests, the focus over the next decade should be on improving bus services linking the airport to the city.

Economic analysis by KPMG found that an airport rail line could generate up to $1.40 for every dollar spent. However, the modelling for the project was based on an assumption that the a train connection from Tullamarine would "replace the existing SkyBus service" – an idea that the privately owned company strongly contests.

The airport rail link would potentially give passengers a 25-minute journey to and from the city, departing every 10 minutes.

Mr Sewards said the average SkyBus trip took the same amount of time from Southern Cross Station, with free Wi-Fi, hotel drop-offs and a newly revamped service to St Kilda.

In coming years, the company is also expected to upgrade services at its Southern Cross depot to allow travellers to check in for flights.

"If we ever have an airport rail, it has to deliver all those value points for customer experience," Mr Sewards said. "Melbourne Airport warrants and deserves many modes supplying the highest level of customer experience, and we think SkyBus will be one of those."

[#Metro]

Economic analysis by KPMG found that an airport rail line could generate up to $1.40 for every dollar spent. However, the modelling for the project was based on an assumption that the a train connection from Tullamarine would "replace the existing SkyBus service" – an idea that the privately owned company strongly contests.

This is essentially correct. The bus will go into direct competition with the train. The train will have similar speeds and better reliability, however, the bus might be cheaper. There are precedents for this too.

Brisbane Airport has the Airtrain but plenty of people still get mini buses, taxis, uber etc to the Airport.

[ozbob]

http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/skybus-arrives-at-avalon-airport/

SkyBus Arrives At Avalon Airport

Minister for Tourism and Major Events 16 December 2016

A new SkyBus service will run between Melbourne's CBD and Avalon, making it quicker, easier and cheaper to get to the growing airport.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events, and Member for Lara, John Eren joined the SkyBus operators on the tarmac today to announce the new service.

It's another great win for Avalon Airport, just one year after the Andrews Labor Government secured its long-term future.

Thanks to the Labor Government, Avalon Airport now offers Jetstar services to Hobart, Adelaide, Sydney and the Gold Coast.

There are now more than 900,000 seats to and from the Airport each year. That's  great for locals who work at the Airport and the entire region, which welcomes thousands of new visitors each year.

The SkyBus Avalon Express replaces existing services currently linking Avalon Airport and the city. Passengers will be able to use the new Airport Gateway facilities at Southern Cross Station, use free WI-FI and easily access ticketing options.

In just two years, the Labor Government has secured an additional 173,000 aeroplane seats for Victoria, which has an estimated economic impact of between $386 million and $575 million.

The SkyBus Avalon Express service begins on February 1.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events and Member for Lara John Eren

"Since we saved Avalon Airport it's gone from strength to strength. This is fabulous news for the Airport and the local community."

"SkyBus' decision to extend its services to Avalon Airport is a vote of confidence in the region and the Airport."

"Avalon is a gateway to some of  our most prized tourist destinations. A busier Avalon Airport means visitors from around Australia coming to Victoria to see the best of everything we offer."

[ozbob]

Delighted to announce the SkyBus Avalon Express Service this morning. Launching early 2017! @AvalonAirportAU #SkyBusAvalonExpress pic.twitter.com/fWE27QhBiR

— SkyBus Melbourne (@skybusmelbourne) December 16, 2016

[ozbob]

^

Our @skybusmelbourne express service from @SthCrossStation to @AvalonAirportAU launched today! #myskybus #skybusavalon #visitvictoria pic.twitter.com/BCw8CKnRgK

— SkyBus Melbourne (@skybusmelbourne) February 1, 2017

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/skybusmelbourne/status/884271640435019776

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/MelbConventions/status/1003399902364176385

[ozbob]

Herald Sun --> New SkyBus link for Melbourne's west, revamped Peninsula service

RESIDENTS in Melbourne's outer suburbs will be able to catch the SkyBus directly to the airport.

From July 1, a new ­Werribee-to-Melbourne airport service (via Tarneit) will provide passengers in the western suburbs with a direct link to the airport.

Initially, the new service will run every hour, seven days a week between 7am and 7pm, but will become a half-hourly service in 2019.

Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan said: "We've delivered a new contract that will modernise, expand and upgrade Melbourne's airport bus services to deliver more services to passengers.

"Our new airport bus service contract puts passengers first when it comes to airport bus service planning and delivery."

The route will begin at Werribee RSL and stop at Tarneit Railway Station before travelling directly to Tullamarine Airport.

"The Western Express service with a Werribee and Tarneit connection will give local residents a reliable, convenient and affordable ride to and from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport," SkyBus Co-CEO and Director Michael Sewards said.

"We have ordered purpose built, Victorian-made buses to cater for this service, so the residents can rely on SkyBus as a comfortable airport transport service when travelling."

Treasurer and Werribee MP Tim Pallas commended the new service.

"This is great news for people out west, with the new service between Melbourne Airport and Werribee directly connecting passengers between Tullamarine and Melbourne's growing western suburbs for the first time," Mr Pallas said.

The peninsula express service will also be revamped with simplified fares, a new "turn-up-and-go" service, additional Rosebud and Mornington services and new stops in Mordialloc and Mentone from where the bus will travel straight to Melbourne airport.

In addition to this, kids will travel for free and the standard family fare will be cheaper.

The new consolidated contract will allow the state government to introduce an airport rail line between Melbourne CBD and Tullamarine Airport.

As part of the new contract, SkyBus will invest $7.5 million in 15 new, locally manufactured buses to increase its fleet.

The new contracts start on July 1 and will last ten years should SkyBus meet strict performance targets.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1650146198752477185

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1781524628198039786

[AnonymouslyBad]

^ I just don't understand how, but if it's been ranked this way I guess there's people who think so.

If you're a business traveller with an unlimited budget it is fine.

But I'd rank Melbourne the worst of the big 5 airports. Even Adelaide, relatively spartan as it is, is logistically easier to travel through.