2. Operational Report
Public Transport Authority Annual Report 2014-15 23 2. Operational Report
2.1 Customers and community Transperth The Transperth PSM, which has been An independent market research organisation is commissioned running for 24 years, surveyed more than to undertake annual Passenger Satisfaction Monitors (PSMs) to 4300 passengers, covering all modes, all the assess the level of passenger satisfaction with various aspects of bus contract areas and all the rail lines. Transperth and Transwa services. The survey conducts detailed face-to-face interviews with regular public transport users, Transperth: Level of overall customer covering all the main demographics. satisfaction (per cent)
100 88.4 84.4 85.5 82.3 85.4 80
60 Overall Transperth 40 88.4% customer satisfaction 20 0 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Overall customer satisfaction with Transperth services system-wide (calculated as the weighted average across all modes) recorded a marked improvement in 2015, increasing 3.5 per cent to 88.4 per cent of users from 85.4 per cent in 2014.
24 Transperth trains The Transperth train component of the 2015 PSM interviewed 1008 train passengers. The sample consisted of adults aged 18 years and older, residing within the Perth metropolitan area who were current users of Transperth train services and travelled on train services at least once per fortnight. School students were excluded. The results showed that the proportion of train passengers who were satisfied with Transperth train services overall increased for the second successive year with 92 per cent of users expressing satisfaction Transperth trains: Level of overall Among peak passengers, 91 per cent in 2015. This was an increase of 3.4 per cent customer satisfaction (per cent) expressed satisfaction in 2015, a 4.6 per cent compared with 89 per cent satisfied users increase; among off-peak passengers, in 2014. This also followed the significant it was 93 per cent (91 per cent in 2014). 100 89 89 92 six per cent improvement achieved in 2014 88 84 The proportion of passengers who were over 2013 when the proportion of satisfied 80 dissatisfied overall fell to its lowest level to users was 84 per cent. two per cent (previously three per cent). 60 The main reasons for dissatisfaction were 40 “need extra carriages” and “too crowded in 20 peak times”. To address these issues, the PTA has ordered 66 B-Series railcars (22, three-car 0 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 trains), of which 33 new railcars (11, three‑car trains) have been delivered and were in service during the year. These additional railcars were used to increase the number of six-car trains in operation.
Public Transport Authority Annual Report 2014-15 25 The importance rating of the key service characteristics of Transperth train services Transperth buses (other than passenger safety) and the respective levels of satisfaction are as follows: The 2015 PSM interviewed 2409 regular bus patrons and 704 Central Area Transit Importance Satisfaction (CAT) bus users. The proportion of bus users Service characteristic rating % (dissatisfaction) rating % who expressed overall satisfaction with all 2014 2015 2014 2015 Transperth bus services increased for the second successive year reaching 86 per cent, Cost of fares 72 72 52 (16) 48 (15) an increase of 3.6 per cent over the 2014 result, Punctuality 63 60 95 (1) 94 (3) which marked an improvement of 2.5 per cent Cleanliness on board 48 57 90 (3) 91 (2) over 2013. Speed of the trip 66 55 93 (2) 92 (2) At eight per cent (unchanged from last year), Availability of seats 56 55 73 (17) 78 (14) the dissatisfaction rating was the consecutive lowest in the 20 years since bus services have Service frequency weekdays 48 53 83 (6) 77 (10) been contracted out. The main reasons cited Service frequency peak times 43 53 82 (11) 81 (10) for dissatisfaction also remained unchanged SmartRider 39 97 (1) and were “infrequent services”, “buses never on time”, “insufficient off-peak services”, “buses and In 2015, as in 2014, most respondents rated “cost of the fares” the most important service trains don’t connect well”, and “rude drivers”. characteristic. The satisfaction levels fell slightly to 48 per cent in 2015 (from 52 per cent). Transperth buses: Level of overall The service characteristic “time waiting for connecting bus” in the 2014 list was replaced customer satisfaction (per cent) by “SmartRider” rated as one of the most important by 39 per cent of the respondents. 100 86 The proportion of train users who were satisfied with this service characteristic was 82 83 81 83 97 per cent. 80
60
40
20
0 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
26 The importance rating of the key service characteristics of Transperth bus services Transperth ferries (other than passenger safety) and the respective levels of satisfaction are as follows: The 2015 PSM surveyed 200 ferry patrons (divided equally between Perth residents Importance Satisfaction and visitors). Service characteristic rating % (dissatisfaction) rating % The results over the year have shown that a 2014 2015 2014 2015 very high proportion of passengers express Punctuality 70 68 76 (13) 78 (12) satisfaction with the ferry service overall. In 2015, for the first time, the level of overall Cost of fares 58 64 56 (13) 56 (13) customer satisfaction reached 100 per cent. Shelter provided at the bus stop 53 54 74 (17) 78 (15) Transperth ferries: Level of overall Cleanliness on board 43 52 94 (1) 94 (2) customer satisfaction (per cent) Service frequency weekdays 54 48 71 (18) 71 (18) 100 Bus drivers’ handling of the bus 47 87 (3) 96 96 97 100 95 Speed of the trip 43 47 89 (4) 92 (3) 80 Ease of connecting between buses and trains 44 89 (6) 60 40 Two new service characteristics “bus drivers’ handling of the bus” and “ease of connecting 20 between buses and trains” entered the list in 2015 while “availability of seats” and “service frequency at peak times” dropped out. 0 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Public Transport Authority Annual Report 2014-15 27 The importance rating of key service characteristics (other than passenger safety) and the Transwa respective levels of satisfaction are as follows: The Transwa PSM has been running for 13 years and surveyed 1502 passengers, Importance Satisfaction Service characteristic covering road coach operations as well as all rating % (dissatisfaction) rating % the rail services. 2014 2015 2014 2015 Overall customer satisfaction was maintained Cost of the fare 73 73 82 (2) 84 (1) at a very high level. The Transwa PSM Cleanliness on board 75 66 100 (0) 99 (0) showed that 93 per cent of passengers were either satisfied or very satisfied with Service frequency weekdays 58 66 71 (18) 87 (5) service performance. Punctuality 64 65 99 (0) 98 (1) Transwa: Level of overall customer Speed of the trip 55 55 99 (0) 98 (1) satisfaction (per cent) Availability of seats 53 54 100 (0) 100 (0)
Shelter at the jetty 48 49 83 (12) 81 (12) 100
Availability of timetables 41 70 (2) 80
A new service characteristic, “availability of timetables” identified by 41 per cent of 60 respondents entered the list in 2015, with 70 per cent of users satisfied, replacing “service 40 frequency peak times”. 20 90 90 92 90 93 0 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
28 Transwa trains Transwa trains: Customer satisfaction (per cent) There were excellent satisfaction levels for our trains - the AvonLink rating jumped 100 to 99 per cent (previously 94). A major 80 contributing factor to the significant increase was the introduction of the additional Midland 60 to Northam services, on December 1, 2014. 40 The Australind remained high but dropped one per cent from the previous year to 20 94 96 75 86 93 87 90 93 93 84 88 87 93 94 92 92 92 99 82 92 per cent, while the Prospector approvals 0 increased significantly to 92 per cent 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 (previously 87). The MerredinLink dropped Prospector Australind AvonLink & MerredinLink *AvonLink *MerredinLink significantly to 82 per cent (previously 92); this drop is attributed to the decrease in *Note: Before 2012 AvonLink and MerredinLink results were combined. services to one return service per week. Transwa road coaches The road coaches also enjoy a consistently high satisfaction level, with 93 per cent of customers happy with road coach services. Transwa road coaches: Customer satisfaction (per cent)
100
80
60
40
20 90 91 93 91 93 0 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Public Transport Authority Annual Report 2014-15 29 Customer safety and security The PSM assesses customer perceptions of safety during the day and at night, waiting for and aboard the (bus/train/ferry) service. Across the modes, virtually all passengers feel safe (aboard or waiting) during the day. Transperth: Customer safety (per cent) Proportion of respondents who generally feel safe on board during the day.
100
80
60
40
20 99 98 10 0 99 99 99 99 99 97 99 98 10 0 99 98 10 0 0 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Bus Train Ferry
30 Transperth trains During the day, the proportion feeling safe on board and at the station/ The 2015 PSM asked train users: Thinking about the issue of personal interchange was 98 per cent in each case (compared with 98 per cent safety whilst using the service, that is how safe you feel from personal and 97 per cent respectively). interference or threat from other passengers, how safe do you The PTA is committed to ensuring that all passengers feel safe at all generally feel? times on the train network. To help achieve this aim, digitised CCTV The following chart shows the proportion of respondents who “always footage from all train stations is monitored at the Central Monitoring or usually feel safe” on the train system. Room, a state‑of‑the‑art facility which is manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Transperth trains: Customer perception of safety (per cent) Transperth buses
100 Bus users were also asked: Thinking about the issue of personal safety whilst using the service, that is how safe you feel from personal 80 interference or threat from other passengers, how safe do you 60 generally feel?
40 The following chart shows the proportion of respondents who “always or usually feel safe” on the bus network. 20
98 76 99 72 99 72 98 68 99 78 98 69 98 77 97 69 98 78 98 72 Transperth buses: Customer perception of safety (per cent) 0 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 100 On board (day) At the station/interchange (day) On board (night) At the station/interchange (night) 80
60 The proportion of users who said they felt safe on board at night 40 increased marginally to 78 per cent (from 77), while the proportion feeling safe at the station/interchange at night increased to 72 per cent 20 99 82 97 73 99 79 97 72 99 81 97 73 99 84 97 75 99 82 97 71 (from 69). 0 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
On board (day) At the station/interchange (day) On board (night) At the station/interchange (night)
Public Transport Authority Annual Report 2014-15 31 The proportion of bus patrons who felt safe on board and at the Transperth ferries: Customer perception of safety (per cent) station/interchange in 2015 remained unchanged at the 2014 level of 99 per cent and 97 per cent respectively. However, the proportion 100 of passengers who felt safe on board at night fell from 84 per cent in 2014 to 82 per cent, while the proportion who felt safe at the station/ 80 interchange at night fell to 71 per cent in 2015 (from 75 per cent). 60
Transperth has extensive security measures in place to address 40 concerns about personal safety expressed by passengers who use 20 our buses and facilities at night. CCTV footage from all bus stations is 10 0 89 10 0 86 99 97 99 96 97 92 98 87 10 0 95 10 0 93 10 0 92 10 0 86 monitored by Transperth Security located in the CMR on a 24/7 basis, 0 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 and a fleet of 19 patrol cars manned by security officers provide an effective response to any incidents of anti-social behaviour. On board (day) At the jetty (day) On board (night) At the jetty (night) Transperth ferries Again, ferry passengers were asked: Thinking about the issue of The 2015 PSM showed that, as in 2014, all ferry passengers felt personal safety whilst using the service, that is how safe you feel safe on board and at the jetty during the day. However, at night, from personal interference or threat from other passengers, how the proportion of users who felt safe on board fell to 92 per cent from safe do you generally feel? 95 per cent in 2014 and proportion who felt safe at the jetty was down The following chart shows the proportion of respondents who to 86 per cent from 93 per cent. “always or usually feel safe” on the ferry service. Transwa Transwa continued to provide a very safe service for customers through its commitment to safety systems, procedures and processes. The number of passenger injuries during the year remained very low.
32 CASE STUDY
ANZAC Centenary This year’s ANZAC Centenary celebrations saw record crowds attend dawn services around the country, with hundreds of thousands of Australians turning up to pay their respects to servicemen and women both past and present. Transperth was there to ensure the public made it safely and efficiently to ANZAC Centenary events. With free travel across the network on ANZAC Day, along with an increase in services, more than 265,000 passengers used Transperth services during the weekend.
This year marked 100 years since Australian ‘normal’ passengers going about their troops landed on the shores of Gallipoli public holiday business. and crafted the ANZAC legacy. A record Additional train and bus services were number of Australians attended ANZAC Day scheduled, the shuttle bus service to Kings services across the country and Perth was Park was rerouted, and SmartRider and no exception. An estimated 80,000 people ticket machines were reprogrammed to attended the ANZAC Centenary dawn service ensure passengers were not charged for at Kings Park on April 25. their journey. Long before the sun rose over the sombre From very early in the morning (the first train crowds at dawn services across the city, services kicked off at 2.30am), staff were numerous staff from Transperth and the busy ensuring shuttle buses and trains were PTA were busy getting tens of thousands of “Congratulations on a job well done in able to ferry passengers to the landmark people to where they needed to go. With the moving thousands of people efficiently and centenary event, and the public had no small State Government providing free travel for courteously on ANZAC Day,” said passenger amount of praise for their efforts. passengers to mark the anniversary, huge Norm Holtzman. “You have really excelled crowds were expected. From letters to the editor in state and local yourself. I don’t think it could have been any newspapers, to numerous tweets, Facebook better. Your staff were friendly and helpful Over the course of the Saturday, Transperth posts and CommentLines, Transperth and and obviously enthusiastic and wanting to moved a massive 110,000 people to and the PTA received resoundingly positive do a good job, once again, thank you and from ANZAC Day events, around 26,000 feedback from patrons. well done.” between the football and a further 130,000
Public Transport Authority Annual Report 2014-15 33 Safety audits yy Transdev was re-certified to AS4801 is measured against other spatial and in January 2014 and is current until scheduling data – in this case PSAs and Transperth buses January 2017. Transdev is also service timetables. certified as compliant with ISO 14001 Safety audits and monitoring of Transperth Access to public transport (per cent) bus contractors continued in line with Environmental Management Systems, standard AS4801-OSH Management valid to January 2017. Proportion of property street addresses Systems. Each depot was audited at in the Perth Public Transport Area within Transdev’s Central Operations Support 500m of a Transperth stop providing an least once, with other documented site Supervisor was a WA Road Transport Woman acceptable service level. visits throughout the year. These regular of the Year finalist for her role in a “Targeted audits and inspections have generated Collision” campaign. Between 2012 and 100 improved safety management systems 2014, this campaign reduced the number 83.8 84.6 84.7 84.6 85.0 and safety focus, and our contractors’ of traffic accidents involving buses from the 80 LTI rate continues to be well below the Fremantle depot by about 10 per cent. 60 industry standard. Accessing our services 40 yy Swan Transit was re-certified to AS4801 in March 2015 and is current until About 85 per cent of Perth homes have 20 ready access to public transport. This metric February 2018. This contractor is also 0 certified as compliant with ISO 14001 – which has been steady for three years – 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Environmental Management Systems reflects the proportion of PSAs (property street addresses) in the Perth public transport valid to February 2018. There were 806,483 PSAs within 500m of an area (PPTA) that are within walking distance yy Path Transit is in the process of being ASL stop/station in 2015, up three per cent (500m) of a Transperth stop or station re-certified to AS4801 with an expected from 783,270 in 2014, and 9.8 per cent more providing an acceptable level of service (ASL). completion of August 2015 and is current than the 734,349 reported in 2011. An ASL is defined as a 20-minute or better until July 2015. This contractor is also service in the peak-flow direction during certified as compliant with ISO 14001 Disability access the peak, and at least an hourly service Environmental Management Systems Transperth aims to provide universal access throughout the core of the day. valid to August 2015. to all its services for the wider community – Transperth uses GPS data to determine including the elderly, people with disabilities, the exact location of all bus stops and and parents with prams. train stations. Access to these facilities
34 Disability Access and Inclusion Plan The PTA continued to improve access to yy During the year, seven accessibility bulletins yy Organisations who participated in the public transport for people with a disability, were distributed via email to 25,954 program included the National Stroke working through the 2012-17 DAIP, which customers registered with Transperth Foundation, Goodwill Engineering, was released in July 2012. During the year, Accessible Services to advise of system Independent Living Centre, InclusionWA, the PTA carried out a review of the DAIP to changes, upgrades and other Transperth TAFE, ASeTTS and Communicare. include Outcome 7, which covers strategies news relating to accessibility issues. Education services were also provided to to promote the employment of people with a yy Completed the upgrade of Kenwick station. the key events across the metropolitan disability in the PTA. area including Abilities Expo, Homeless yy Upgrading Transperth bus stops to Connect, CarersWA Big Day Out and Achievements included: meet the requirements of the Disability Seniors Have-A-Go-Day. Standards for Accessible Public Transport yy Continued implementation of a long‑term under the Government’s Bus Stop yy Delivered 39 presentations through the program to progressively replace the Accessibility Works. Since this program school-based Get On Board program for existing Transperth bus fleet with new, started in 2010, approximately 3300 Education Support and Intensive English low-floor, accessible buses – at June 30, upgrades have been completed. Of these, Centres. In addition, 83 tailored Get On 90.3 per cent of our metro fleet (1291 80 bus stops were upgraded in the Board programs were delivered to seniors of 1430 buses) and 81 per cent regional network over the past two years. and culturally and linguistically diverse of our regional buses (112 of 138) (CaLD) groups. were accessible. yy Formation of Perth Busport Accessibility and Inclusion Reference Group. yy Translating and Interpreting Service yy Continued recognition of companion (TIS) - call count for InfoCentres and cards to allow a companion to travel with yy The Transperth education team continued the CallCentre was 148 (July 2014 – a person with a permanent disability at no to work closely with local government, May 2015). additional cost. community organisations and colleges to provide training on-site and at stations to yy Active participation as a member of the yy Managing accessibility groups via equip staff and clients with the skills and National Accessible Public Transport My Alert emails (formerly TravelEasy) as a knowledge necessary to become safe and Advisory Committee and Accessible Public mechanism to disseminate accessibility- confident public transport users. Transport Jurisdictional Committee. specific updates to relevant organisations.
Public Transport Authority Annual Report 2014-15 35 Buses In three contract areas, accessible buses Transperth continued its long-term program were used for more than 90 per cent of to increase the number of accessible service trips: Marmion (98.7 per cent), buses in its fleet. During the year, 113 new Claremont (98.5 per cent), and Southern During the year, buses were added, increasing the number River (91.6 per cent). On Perth CAT of accessible buses to 1291 out of the services, 97 per cent of the trips were by total fleet of 1430 at June 30, 2015 accessible buses, while on CAT services (90.3 per cent). At June 30, 2014 accessible in Fremantle and Joondalup and on the 113 buses accounted for 87 per cent of the fleet. Midland Shuttle, accessible buses were new accessible buses Transperth’s accessible fleet has expanded used on all trips. were added to the by 43 per cent since 2011. Between 2010-11 and 2014-15, while the number of service trips increased by Transperth fleet Preference is given to operating accessible buses whenever possible and they are used 27.6 per cent, trips by accessible buses on most off-peak services. In the peak, both went up 85 per cent and the proportion accessible and non-accessible buses are of service trips operated by accessible fully committed. buses rose 45 per cent. Trip numbers are reported as at June 30. The proportion of service trips operated by accessible buses has increased significantly The PTA also has a responsibility to over the past five years. In 2014-15, out of ensure that bus fleets in regional towns meet Federal accessibility requirements. and over 4.663 million service trips during the year, 625 3.191m trips (68.4 per cent) were operated To meet this responsibility, the PTA bus stops were upgraded by accessible buses compared with progressively transfers low-floor diesel 65 per cent of trips in 2013-14. buses from the Transperth fleet to the to meet Federal Disbility regional fleet. Standards
36 Transperth continued its Bus Stop The environment yy Continued implementation of the energy Accessibility Works Program (BSAWP) during efficiency measures identified as part of the 2014-15 with more than 625 bus stops being The PTA continues to work to identify energy assessment of the Public Transport upgraded to meet the requirements of the opportunities to maximise sustainability during Centre, including the installation of LED Federal Disability Standards for Accessible the development and planning of transport lights which resulted in a downward trend Public Transport. In 2013-14, 610 bus stops services. In the latest year this included: in energy use during 2014-15. were upgraded. yy Development of a Sustainability Position yy Audited Downer Bombardier (the PTA’s Upgrades typically involve the construction Statement for the Forrestfield-Airport railcar maintainer) to ensure environmental of a concrete passenger boarding area at Link project. compliance at the PTA’s Claisebrook, correct kerb height, installation of tactile yy The Forrestfield-Airport Link project has Nowergup and Mandurah depots. ground surface indicators and a short adopted the Infrastructure Sustainability yy Completed and implemented the PTA’s connection to the existing local footpath Council of Australia (ISCA) rating scheme Environmental Management Systems network. Since the program was introduced for evaluating sustainability and driving (EMS) manual to support the PTA in in January 2010, more than 3300 bus stops sustainability performance across all achieving legal compliance, controlling have been upgraded. stages of the project. risks for operations and capital works, yy Integration of infrastructure for pedestrians and encouraging continuous improvement Ferries and cyclists. in its environmental performance. Transperth ferry services are provided by yy Protection and restoration of air, water, yy Developed online training for the PTA’s EMS manual for staff. two accessible ferries, MV Phillip Pendal soils, flora and fauna. and MV Shelley Taylor-Smith. yy Took delivery of 13 new articulated yy Improving the energy efficiency of the buses which comply with Euro 6 exhaust The Barrack Street Jetty in Perth meets Public Transport Centre. the Federal accessibility standard. emission standards. During the year, the PTA: Although the Mends Street Jetty in South Perth is accessible for people in yy Continued to implement the PTA water wheelchairs, planning is in progress for the efficiency management plan. future construction of a new jetty to meet yy Continued using recycled water and all accessibility standards and provide reverse osmosis to wash railcars. improved facilities, subject to funding being made available.
Public Transport Authority Annual Report 2014-15 37 yy Launched the Get On Board program dedicated website for students, teachers and parents to encourage better education of public transport amongst these groups. yy Continued to improve signage at a number of bus and train stations as part of a system-wide upgrade. The new signage improves visibility of key components of infrastructure, such as lifts, to make them easier to identify for those who need to use them. yy Continued to provide service disruption information to passengers across all modes of public transport. yy Delivered service change information to Communicating with our customers passengers following the continued roll out of additional bus service kilometres. In 2014-15, the Transperth Information and including the Albany Commemoration in yy Continued to deliver Get On Board Event Services team successfully undertook a October 2014 and the Kings Park Dawn program presentations to a broad range wide range of initiatives: Service in April 2015. of community groups. yy Launched the Access All Areas yy Communicated the opening and new yy Continued to work with major event event guide poster in trains aimed at timetable for Butler Station. organisers to ensure the provision encouraging use of public transport to yy Successfully launched the Show Your of special events and promote special events in the Perth metro area. Good Side portrait series – a new integrated ticketing. behavioural campaign encouraging yy Successfully launched a track closures passengers to consider others and be campaign to educate passengers on how mindful of their actions. to stay informed of upcoming works and how to keep moving through disruptions. yy Coordinated the transport requirements for ANZAC Centenary commemorations
38 CASE STUDY
Passenger Satisfaction Monitor – our best ever results
The PTA’s annual Passenger Satisfaction Monitor is Australia’s biggest and longest- running public transport passenger survey. After extensive interviews of 4300 regular Transperth passengers, the 2015 survey has revealed our best-ever results, with all-time high levels of satisfaction across all transport modes.
Findings from the 2015 PSM displayed multiple At a glance, below are some of the other all-time best results compared to previous outstanding results from the PSM: years, revealing that nine in 10 passengers are yy 92 per cent satisfaction from train overall satisfied with our services. passengers (91 per cent in peak hour and The PSM survey, which measures performance 93 per cent during off-peak) indicators of satisfaction across the Transperth yy 86 per cent satisfaction from bus network, is one of the most extensive and passengers in-depth public transport passenger surveys yy Up to 97 per cent satisfaction from CAT in Australia and we’ve been conducting it for bus passengers more than 24 years. yy Fremantle CAT won the highest satisfaction This year’s survey spoke to 4300 people, rating from passengers at 97 per cent covering all demographics of regular yy The 950 Superbus remains the highest passengers across the entire network. performing non-CAT service since its From this sample, high satisfaction results introduction last year with a 94 per cent were received from around 90 per cent of satisfaction rating customers who said they are happy with y the overall level of Transperth train, bus and y 99 per cent of users are satisfied with the ferry services. cashless SmartRider ticketing system A stand-out achievement from the 2015 The results provide a holistic look at how our PSM was the Transperth ferry system, passengers feel about our services so that which reached 100 per cent overall we can continue what we are doing right and satisfaction for the first time. identify the areas we can improve on, to deliver exceptional services into the future.
Public Transport Authority Annual Report 2014-15 39 2.2 Performance report 2.2.1 Metro Fleet Transperth is the brand and operating TTO operates an electrified suburban train name of the public transport system in system with more than 1045 services on the greater metropolitan area of Perth. an average weekday and more than 6645 TTO operates an electrified services weekly. At June 30, TTO operated The Transperth system consists of a bus a fleet of 267 railcars which can be coupled suburban train system with network, a fully-electrified urban train system in configurations of two, three, four or and a ferry service. It is managed by the six‑car trains. Transperth branch of the Transperth System, Regional and School Bus Services division The system covers 180.8km of track with and covers key functions such as system 70 stations on five lines. The network planning, bus service delivery, bus service consists of the Joondalup Line (40.9km), more than 1045 security, passenger information services, the Fremantle Line (19km), the Midland Line services on an average ticketing, and bus fleet procurement. (16km), the Armadale/Thornlie Line (30.5km and a 3km spur line to Thornlie), and the weekday and more than Transperth bus and ferry services are Mandurah Line (71.4km). provided under commercial contract At June 30, the 1430-vehicle Transperth arrangements; train services are provided services weekly bus fleet (up 5.6 per cent) was made up 6645 by PTA’s Transperth Train Operations of 885 diesel buses (including 440 buses (TTO) division under an internal service delivered under the current Volvo contract) level agreement. and 545 CNG buses. Passenger information comprising Of these, 13 buses (one per cent of the fleet) InfoCentre, InfoLine and customer conform to the Euro 6 emissions standard, feedback services are provided under 447 buses (31.3 per cent) conform to contract by Serco. the Euro 5 standard and 498 buses (34.8 per cent) meet the Euro 4 standard. The 440 new Volvo buses in the fleet meet the Euro 5 EEV (enhanced environmentally friendly vehicle) standard.
40 The Volvo contract will deliver 820 new Under the new summer timetable, the ferry service diesel buses over an eight-year period. operated an average of In 2014-15, the Transperth bus system operated 315 standard timetabled bus routes, 296 school routes, and nine CAT routes. On a typical weekday 600 trips per week this involved operating 14,914 standard service trips, 296 school service trips and 957 CAT service trips. Accessible Two ferries (MV Phillip Pendal and The timetable change resulted in an buses were always used on 205 routes, MV Shelley Taylor-Smith) operate the increase in the number of service kilometres which included nine CAT routes and Transperth ferry service between the operated by the ferry service. city (Barrack Street) and South Perth 36 school routes. A bus service frequency We also continued with the implementation (Mends Street). The service is operated of 15 minutes or better is provided all of the bus service expansion program under contract by Captain Cook Cruises. day on most major corridors, with higher which began in 2011-12, with service frequencies in peak periods. The ferry timetables were changed with improvements prioritised as follows: effect from June 1, 2014. The new summer The Transperth bus service network is yy Services which cannot pick up timetable runs from October to May divided into 11 geographic contract areas passengers due to overloading. (previously September to April) and the winter which are periodically subject to competitive yy Transport corridors we identified as tender. At June 30, three contractors timetable from June to September (previously May to August). providing access between key primary operated Transperth bus services: and secondary centres to help achieve yy Path Transit – Kalamunda, Morley. Under the new summer timetable, the ferry planned land-use outcomes proposed service operated 92 trips a day Monday to yy Swan Transit – Canning, Claremont, by the Department of Planning in Thursday and 100 trips on Friday (previously Marmion, Midland (including Midland Directions 2031. 80 and 88 trips), 74 trips on a Saturday shuttle), and Southern River. yy New urban areas developing on the and 58 trips on a Sunday/public holiday. fringes of the metropolitan area. yy Transdev – Fremantle (including There was no change to the number of trips Fremantle CAT), Joondalup (including operated during the winter, 60 trips a day Joondalup CAT), Rockingham- Monday to Friday and 54 trips a day on Mandurah, and the Perth CAT contract. weekends and public holidays.
Public Transport Authority Annual Report 2014-15 41 “The Transperth yy Facilitated a series of operational and system consists timetable changes. of a bus network, yy Planned for and provided safe and reliable a fully‑electrified rail services for all special events including the ANZAC Centenary Day. urban train yy Continued recruiting and training of staff system and a for the provision of safe, reliable and ferry service.” customer-focussed services. yy Prepared and evaluated the Expression of Interest for the supply of 300 new state-of- the-art C-Series railcars (50, six-car trains) over a ten-year period. The bus service expansion program added Service extensions and improvements yy Continued planning for the installation 2.201 million service kilometres during the included: of the pantograph Automatic Dropping year to deliver a total of 65.531m kilometres Device, an overreach and platform yy Improved frequencies on key corridors, in 2014-15, up 3.5 per cent from detection system on railcars, all of which including Alexander Drive, Albany Highway 63.329m kilometres in 2013-14. This followed promote safety of passengers and and Canning Highway. increases of 4.2 per cent in 2013-14, protects railway assets. y 4.6 per cent in 2012-13 and 8.5 per cent y Extension of Route 100 from Curtin yy Commenced planning for the opening in 2011-12. University to Cannington station. of the new Aubin Grove Station on the Mandurah Line. New service routes introduced during the There were also a number of significant new year included: developments during the year: yy Contributed to the Burswood Stadium yy The PTA took delivery of a further and Forrestfield-Airport Link projects and yy Route 406 between Glendalough related works. Station and Edith Cowan University in 24 railcars (eight, three-car trains) of the Mount Lawley. 66 B-Series railcars on order. In total, 33 new railcars (11, three-car trains) were yy Route 491 between Butler Station in service during the year. and Yanchep. yy Commenced operation of services to the yy Route 565 between Warnbro Station new Butler Station on the Joondalup Line. and Baldivis.
42 CASE STUDY
Euro 6 buses for a greener future
Once again, Transperth has embraced newer and greener technology, with the introduction of 70 new Volvo Euro 6 articulated buses to our fleet. A $58.5 million investment by the State Government will see the world’s cleanest diesel buses introduced over five years, replacing some of the fleet’s oldest buses and placing Western Australia at the forefront of clean public transport. The first of the Euro 6 buses was officially handed over to the PTA in early 2015 after extensive testing and optimisation in both Sweden and Perth.
This year Transperth was at the forefront of introducing environmentally-friendly technology to the streets of Perth, with the introduction of the new Volvo Euro 6 bus. The Euro 6 vehicles are the world’s cleanest diesel buses. Seventy new Euro 6 articulated buses will be introduced over five years, thanks to an investment of $58.5 million by the State Government. In a boost for local jobs, the Euro 6 vehicle bodies will be assembled by local company Volgren, allowing for the employment of 15 additional staff at Volgren’s Malaga facility. Volvo Bus Australia Currently the Australian Capital Territory is the only other state or territory to have Euro 6 buses. The articulated buses can each carry more than 100 passengers and will be used on Perth’s busiest bus routes, for major events, and “We are really excited to start using Volvo’s latest technology in Perth as rail replacement services for planned disruptions. The new buses and even more excited to have a world-class articulated option are roomy and fully air-conditioned, with low-floor step-less entry to back in our local product line,” Volvo Bus Australia General Manager allow wheelchair accessibility. Sean Copeland said.
Public Transport Authority Annual Report 2014-15 43 Network patronage The main features of Transperth patronage in yy Fare-paying boardings also continued 2014-15 were: to fall, by 1.5 per cent to 81.188m in Patronage by mode is reported in four 2014‑15 following the 2.6 per cent decline yy Total boardings which fell 1.4 per cent categories: to 82.426m in 2013-14. The two previous in 2013-14 recovered in 2014-15 to years recorded increases of 4.1 per cent in yy Fare-paying boardings – cash and record a small 0.8 per cent increase 2012-13 and seven per cent in 2011-12. paid SmartRider boardings plus special to 148.762 million from 147.641m in event boardings. 2013‑14. However, in the two previous yy Free travel by seniors, aged/disability yy Cash and SmartRider initial years significantly higher growth rates pensioners, and carers continued to boardings – fare-paying boardings plus were achieved, 3.9 per cent in 2012-13 increase and accounted for 9.110m free travel on SmartRider*. and six per cent in 2011-12. total boardings in 2014-15, up 6.6 per cent from 8.545m in 2013-14. yy Total initial boardings also recovered, with yy Total initial boardings – cash and Initial boardings were 5.388m in 2014-15, an increase of 0.8 per cent in 2014-15 to SmartRider initial boardings plus free up three per cent from 5.230m. travel on Free Transit Zone (FTZ) services, 104.234m from 103.437m in 2013-14. on CAT services in Perth, Fremantle and The 2013-14 result represented a decline Factors contributing to the continuing decline Joondalup, and on the Midland Shuttle of 1.2 per cent over 2012-13, a year which of fare-paying boardings on the Transperth service. saw growth of 3.7 per cent following an system were: increase of 5.1 per cent in 2011-12. yy Total boardings – total initial boardings yy Increased unemployment which impacts yy The decline in cash and SmartRider plus transfer boardings. adversely on commuter traffic. initial boardings continued for a second yy Slowing of the rate of growth in *Free travel on SmartRider refers to travel by year in succession, falling 1.2 per cent population, particularly the significant drop WA seniors, aged and disability pensioners, to 86.759m in 2014-15 following the in interstate migration resulting from the and carers on weekdays from 9am to 3.30pm 2.4 per cent fall in 2013-14 to 87.829m. reduction in mining investment. and all day on weekends and public holidays. In contrast, growth rates of 4.2 per cent It also includes all day free travel by veterans. and 6.9 per cent were achieved in yy Cost of living pressures impacting largely 2012‑13 and 2011-12 respectively. on discretionary travel. yy Relatively low fuel prices making driving more attractive to commuters than using public transport.
44 Despite the unfavourable results in 2014-15, Following the abolition of the carbon tax in The Giants event patronage on the Transperth system has July 2014, the PTA was required to return In February 2015, Transperth successfully met increased over the five years since 2010-11; to patrons the additional revenue Transperth an unprecedented demand for its services for total boardings by 9.4 per cent, cash and received through the higher fares. It was The Giants, a popular feature of the 2015 Perth SmartRider initial boardings by 7.4 per cent decided to meet this requirement partly International Arts Festival. and fare-paying boardings by 6.9 per cent. by providing a day’s free travel on all During the three-day event (February 13-15, Transperth bus, train and ferry services On a per capita basis, public transport 2015), estimated patronage on Transperth to return $0.68m, and partly through a usage within the Perth metropolitan area bus, train and ferry services was 1.748m total revised fares schedule which came into (including the City of Mandurah) was boardings, based on recorded boardings, effect on November 1, 2014 to cover the 52.2 initial boardings compared with passenger counts using CCTV, and balance $1.375m. 53.4 in 2013-14, down 2.2 per cent. staff monitoring. The decline in per capita usage reflects Free travel for one day was provided on Patronage specific to The Giants event was the fall in patronage combined with an November 3, 2014 and was estimated to estimated at 1.085m – the highest ever for a increase in population albeit at a lower rate have resulted in 503,000 total boardings. special event – comprising 522,000 recorded than previously. The boardings estimate was based on boardings (242,000 on bus, 276,000 on train, recorded boardings on a similar day and 4000 on ferry) and an estimated 563,000 Free travel on special occasions (i.e. a Monday with both schools and unrecorded boardings (bus 94,000, train tertiary institutions in session). Free travel to compensate for the 457,000 and ferry 12,000). carbon tax-related fare increase Free travel on ANZAC Day Boardings were not recorded because The carbon tax, introduced in 2012, added The ANZAC Centenary Day was declared Transperth, for operational and safety reasons approximately $2 million to Transperth a free travel day on all Transperth services. due to the pressure of the large crowds, operating costs. This extra cost was passed Normal boardings for the day were allowed passengers at particular locations to on to public transport users by adding an estimated based on data from Sunday April travel without having to purchase a ticket or tag extra 1.5 percentage points to the projected 26, 2015. System-wide, event-specific total on their SmartRider. increase in CPI of 2.8 per cent applied to boardings were estimated at 110,000. the new fares schedule that came into effect Free travel on November 3, 2014, estimated on July 1, 2012. event-specific free boardings on the ANZAC Centenary Day, and estimated unrecorded boardings during The Giants event (February 13-15, 2015) have been reported as “free travel on special occasions” and form part of total boardings on each mode. Public Transport Authority Annual Report 2014-15 45 Transperth: Patronage (millions) Buses Total boardings on Transperth buses continued to increase but the 150 rates of increase in the last two years have been significantly below 120 the rates achieved in the past. In 2014-15, total boardings rose to 90 84.143m from 83.714m in 2013-14, up 0.5 per cent, a marginal improvement on an increase of 0.2 per cent in 2013-14. 60 Transperth buses: Patronage (millions) 30 75.929 80.817 96.051 135.975 81.262 86.393 100.991 144.130 84.597 90.007 104.713 149.697 82.426 87.829 103.437 147.641 81.188 86.759 104.234 148.762 0 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 100
Fare-paying boardings Cash and SmartRider initial boardings 80 Total initial boardings Total boardings 60
Passenger place kilometres represent the carrying capacity of the 40 Transperth bus, train and ferry network. This metric is based on 20
service kilometres and the average capacity of the fleet, and has been 39.422 42.590 76.636 42.360 45.703 80.626 43.945 47.489 83.543 43.394 46.903 83.714 42.648 46.192 84.143 0 increasing steadily in recent years as new buses and trains come on 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 stream and our networks expand. Fare-paying boardings Cash and SmartRider initial boardings Total boardings Transperth: Passenger place kilometres (millions)
15,000 13,717.6 12,382.9 12,853.7 11,552.2 12,000 10,579.9
9,000
6,000
3,000
0 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
46 Total boardings by contract area were: Average boardings on the bus system continued to fall due to the fact that, since 2011-12, bus service kilometres increased at higher rates Contract area 2013-14 2014-15 Change than boardings. Furthermore, in the case of cash and SmartRider Kalamunda 7.580m 7.261m -4.2% initial boardings, a decline was recorded in 2013-14 and 2014-15. Morley 11.399m 11.379m -0.2% Road congestion, particularly in peak periods, and the lack of Canning 8.399m 8.416m 0.2% significant bus priority measures on major roads in Perth, impacts on service reliability and may have affected patronage on Transperth Claremont 4.373m 4.320m -1.2% bus services. Marmion 7.629m 7.510m -1.6% To address this, the PTA’s Bus Priority Program completed a number Midland 2.409m 2.445m 1.5% of initiatives in 2014-15 including: Southern River 3.918m 3.944m 0.7% yy The construction of a left-only turning lane into Hay Street from Fremantle 9.551m 9.412m -1.5% William Street to improve north-bound traffic flows previously Joondalup 7.171m 7.096m -1.0% interfering with bus movements. Rockingham 6.146m 6.155m 0.1% yy Construction of a roundabout on Hospital Avenue at QE2 Medical Centre to facilitate faster turning of the high frequency 950 service. yy Construction of a bus priority turning lane at Albany Highway and Nicholson Road to allow buses to bypass significant traffic congestion. yy Completion of the Cockburn Link bus access tunnel, connecting Cockburn Central Station and Gateways Shopping Centre via a dedicated bus road. 84.143 million total boardings on Transperth buses in 2014-15
Public Transport Authority Annual Report 2014-15 47 Trains The decrease in boardings combined with the increase in service Total boardings on our trains recorded a small 1.2 per cent increase in kilometres resulted in average boardings recording a significant 2014-15 to 64.2m, following the 3.3 per cent decline in 2013-14. decline. Total boardings per service kilometre fell five per cent, to 3.622 in 2014-15 from 3.814 in 2013-14. The cash and SmartRider Transperth trains: Patronage (millions) initial boardings number was down 6.8 per cent at 2.273.
75 Ferries
60 The ferry service represents only a very small proportion of Transperth system patronage (less than 0.5 per cent). Fluctuations in the tourism 45 market have a significant impact on ferry boardings with tourists 30 accounting for about half.
15 Transperth ferries: Patronage (millions) 36.182 37.884 58.868 38.584 40.355 63.030 40.337 42.184 65.689 38.740 40.615 63.492 38.287 40.294 64.225 0 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 0.5
Fare-paying boardings Cash and SmartRider initial boardings Total boardings 0.4
0.3 Cash and SmartRider initial boardings (including free travel on SmartRider but excluding free train travel within the FTZ) fell 0.2 0.8 per cent and fare-paying boardings fell 1.2 per cent. 0.1 0.32 4 0.34 2 0.47 1 0.31 7 0.33 5 0.47 4 0.31 4 0.33 3 0.46 5 0.29 2 0.31 0 0.43 5 0.25 2 0.27 3 0.39 4 Total boardings by line were: 0.0 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 Line 2013-14 2014-15 Change Fare-paying boardings Cash and SmartRider initial boardings Total boardings Armadale Line 9.176m 9.067m -1.2% Fremantle Line 8.285m 8.228m -0.7% In 2014-15, total boardings on ferry fell by 9.3 per cent to Joondalup Line 16.897m 17.106m 1.2% 0.394 million from 0.435m in 2013-14. Cash and SmartRider initial Mandurah Line 20.664m 20.700m 0.2% boardings fell 12.1 per cent to 0.273m from 0.310m and fare‑paying boardings were down 13.5 per cent to 0.252m from 0.292m. Midland Line 6.646m 6.661m 0.2%
48 Total boardings per service kilometre fell 12.7 per cent to 10.468 from Transperth: OTR by mode 11.995 in 2013-14, while cash and SmartRider initial boardings fell Proportion of services meeting on-time targets 15.4 per cent to 7.244 from 8.563.
100 Capacity 80 Total capacity provided on the Transperth system increased by 6.7 per cent in 2014-15, following a 3.8 per cent increase in 2013-14. 60 During 2014-15, the train network operated 17.73 million service 40 kilometres, up 6.5 per cent from 16.648m service kilometres 20 in 2013‑14. 85.1 95.7 99.2 79.1 94.6 96.7 75.1 93.0 84.7 81.2 94.9 97.8 80.2 95.0 92.0 0 Total capacity provided on the train network increased 8.5 per cent 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 to 8544.7m passenger place kilometres in 2014-15 from 7878.1m Bus Train Ferry in 2013-14. The increase in both service kilometres and passenger place Transperth trains kilometres resulted from the delivery of additional B-Series railcars, The service reliability target for Transperth trains is for 95 per cent of allowing for more six-car trains being brought into service during services to arrive within four minutes of the scheduled time. the year in addition to the extension of the Joondalup Line to Butler Station. In 2014-15, on average, 95 per cent of train services met the target, up from 94.9 per cent in 2013-14. Reliability Transperth buses Transperth uses technology-based monitoring methods which allow The service reliability target for Transperth buses is for 80 per cent of precise data-gathering to measure on-time running (OTR). On its bus services to arrive at timing point within four minutes of the scheduled and ferry services, OTR is measured using GPS information functions time, and never leave a terminus, or travel through a mid-way timing in SmartRider, while the train control system is used to measure point early. train OTR.
Public Transport Authority Annual Report 2014-15 49 Reliability is monitored through a random Maintenance This is achieved through regular cleaning and sample of one per cent of trips in each bus periodic large maintenance items such as contract area using the GPS information The Network and Infrastructure (N&I) division high-pressure water cleaning and painting. functions in SmartRider which provides is responsible for the asset management Most of the work undertaken by the PTA an accurate assessment of bus on-time of the urban passenger rail network, the in this area remains unseen by the public. performance. The one per cent sample is asset management of the country stations, However, the impact on our customers if the substantial given that there are more than the asset investment program (with the infrastructure fails is significant, so therefore 14,900 bus trips on a typical weekday. exception of major projects) and the delivery remains a key focus. GPS information functions help to identify of information technology services. under-performing services which, after N&I has a service level agreement with Upgrades a careful review, can be re‑scheduled to TTO which details its responsibility for ensure improved performance. the provision and maintenance of the yy A program to improve the reliability and disability access of lifts and escalators is In 2014-15, bus services in the CBD were infrastructure required to operate train continuing. Lifts at Warwick, Whitfords, adversely affected by major works resulting in services reliably, efficiently and safely. Stirling and Joondalup stations have OTR on Transperth buses falling 1.2 per cent Most of the division’s resources are been completed along with escalators at to 80.2 per cent compared with a significant allocated to maintenance, both planned Warwick, Joondalup and one at Whitfords. 8.2 per cent improvement to 81.2 per cent and breakdown. Routine maintenance is in 2013-14. planned carefully to ensure the infrastructure yy An upgrade to security access systems is safe and highly reliable. This ensures that to the bike shelters was completed in Transperth ferries our customers continue to enjoy a safe April 2015. This new system will increase The service reliability target for the ferry and dependable train service. The division security with ingress and egress to the service is for 98 per cent of services to also deploys its resources to ensure a rapid bike shelters, with patrons required to arrive within three minutes of the scheduled response to any infrastructure faults to register onto the system. time. On average, 92 per cent of services minimise delays and customer impact. yy The new City West substation at met the target in 2014-15 compared with Sutherland Street was delivered into The rail network’s 70 urban stations and 97.8 per cent in 2013-14. This decrease service in April 2015. This new substation 29 country stations are highly visible of 5.8 per cent is attributable to ongoing provides increased traction power supply infrastructure assets. As well as ensuring that construction works associated with the resilience, and improved flexibility for track all station facilities are reliable, considerable development of Elizabeth Quay at and around access to maintain the rail network. effort is made to have them well presented. the Barrack Street ferry terminal.
50 yy The Bus Priority Program delivered road infrastructure upgrades in William Street Perth, Stage 2; bus priority queue-jump lanes at the intersection of Nicholson Road and Albany Highway to counter traffic congestion; and a two-lane roundabout on Aberdare Road, Shenton Park to accommodate the bus terminus at QEII Medical Centre for the high-frequency Route 950 bus service. yy Upgrades to the public address system at Perth, Fremantle, Subiaco and Stirling stations were completed, with Glendalough, Bull Creek, Canning Bridge and Murdoch planned for late 2015. yy Additional car parking capacity at Guildford yy The CCTV camera upgrade program Major initiatives Station is scheduled for completion in delivered 140 digital cameras across Future initiatives include: September 2015, delivering an estimated 16 stations with another 190 cameras at yy The replacement of escalators at Perth 350 bays. 20 stations planned for 2015-16. Underground and Esplanade stations. yy The purchase of a dedicated rail yy A works program to improve the overhead yy The rollout of a modern digital rail mobile infrastructure inspection vehicle to gather line reliability started, and has eliminated radio system over the next five years. asset data. all defects on 50 per cent of the lines. yy The continuation of the change out yy The continuation of the resilience program yy Alignment of overhead line equipment of Passenger Information Displays at to reduce the impact on services following and signalling infrastructure with track at Perth station. incidents on the network. West Leederville and the installation of a crossover at City West have improved yy The delivery of new bus lanes on Stirling the resilience of the system. Highway near UWA and a bus priority queue-jump lane at the Albany Highway intersection with Nicholson Road.
Public Transport Authority Annual Report 2014-15 51 CASE STUDY
Asbestos management Infrastructure Planning and Land Services IPLS provides the PTA with professional resources to support The IPLS environment branch managed the expenditure of and undertake major planning and business objectives, railway $2.5m relating to asbestos management in 2014-15 and has engineering, and land and environmental management. an approved budget of $1.8m for this task in future years. Environmental management The expenditure is in response to the PTA’s obligations under the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations The IPLS environment branch provides environmental support to the 1996, which require the PTA to identify, regularly inspect whole of the PTA. Key services include: and manage asbestos in its buildings. The PTA has an yy Coordination of environmental approvals Asbestos Working Group, which consists of members from yy Environmental input into Project Definition Plans IPLS, Safety and Strategy, Network and Infrastructure and yy Response to noise and vibration complaints regarding passenger Transperth Buses. The Asbestos Working Group oversees the and freight trains management, review and monitoring of asbestos-containing materials in all areas of the organisation. yy Management of the PTA’s contaminated sites and asbestos- containing buildings The PTA owns 75 buildings which contain asbestos, the majority of which are in regional locations. Asbestos only Land and property services poses a health risk when asbestos fibres can be inhaled. IPLS plans, manages and optimises the PTA’s land assets When asbestos‑containing materials are in good condition (acquisition, disposal, leasing and maintenance). and regularly inspected they pose no health risk to people. The PTA has an Asbestos Management Plan and an Asbestos Rail infrastructure Register which outlines the known locations and condition of The provision of railway engineering expertise from IPLS provides the asbestos in each building and assists in the prioritisation of PTA and other State agencies, design solutions with sufficient detail asbestos removal. to inform planning decisions and provide the basis for costing and scope for the State’s public transport strategies. In 2014-15 the PTA engaged a licenced contractor to inspect all of its regional asbestos buildings. Asbestos-containing materials Route Utilisation Strategy were removed from the Public Transport Centre and PTA‑owned The PTA’s RUS provides a holistic approach to planning for the buildings in Kalgoorlie, Bridgetown, Boyanup, Merredin, operational changes and resulting investment required to meet Watheroo and Mount Barker. forecasted future patronage demands on the urban passenger rail network.
52 Highlights Rail infrastructure in securing $1.198 billion for the yy Concept through to detailed design acquisition of 50, six-car trains. Environmental management of turn-back and crossover facilities yy Finalised the business case for the yy Coordination of asbestos removal from at key locations on the suburban rail extension of the James Street Bus Bridge ceiling voids of the Public Transport Centre. network as part of the program to to Charles Street. yy Department of Environment Regulation provide greater operational reliance in yy Undertook detailed analysis of future (DER, formerly DEC) classification to the event of unplanned interruptions and vertical transport demands (lifts/stairs/ allow development of the Kewdale system failures. escalators) at Perth Underground and Freight Terminal for industrial/ yy Provision of railway engineering expertise Esplanade stations to meet forecast commercial purposes. to the Department of Transport for the passenger demands. Land and property services Inland Freight Corridor Development plan. yy Completed a critical review of the PTA’s yy Implemented a new geographical Land yy Provision of railway engineering future urban railcar depot maintenance Management System and completed an expertise and oversight for the design and stabling strategy. This included audit of existing data. and construction of railway works as development of a fully calibrated and yy Audited 65 per cent of non-rail assets part of grade separations over the functioning OpenTrack simulation model within the Rail Freight Corridor with freight network. of the urban passenger network and Brookfield Rail and mitigated medium risks yy Provision of preliminary concept route analysis of various potential sites for future on the PTA’s non-operative railway lines. drawings in support of planning of future railcar operations. yy Supported Perth City Link, extensions and additions to the suburban yy Undertook a case study assessment Forrestfield‑Airport Link and Edgewater railway network. of platform lengthening at Guildford, Bassendean, Bayswater and Maylands projects with acquisitions and other Route Utilisation Strategy land‑related matters. stations on the Midland Line to yy Reviewed and formalised future annual rail accommodate potential future six-car yy Assisted with land matters associated with patronage forecasts out to year 2031, in train operations. Rail Freight Corridor land (e.g. Lloyd Street line with revised WA Tomorrow forecasts yy Preparation of a draft Project Definition Plan grade separation and Manjimup Railway for a population of 2.7 million. Reserve) and North Fremantle. for the acquisition of the C-Series railcars. yy Finalised and submitted the C-Series yy Collected $15.5m revenue from leases. railcars business case as part of the 2015‑16 budget process; successful
Public Transport Authority Annual Report 2014-15 53 2.2.2 Regional (Transwa) Transwa is the brand and operating name for the road and rail public transport system serving regional centres. The Transwa network links more than 240 locations from Meekatharra and Kalbarri in the north, throughout the south‑west region and east to Kalgoorlie and Esperance. Our purpose is to provide a customer-focussed, safe and cost‑effective public transport service to regional WA. We monitor our performance against a range of non-financial and financial indicators such as customer satisfaction, on-time running and cost per passenger kilometre. Fleet The train fleet consists of 14 railcars – seven Prospector, two AvonLink (also used to provide MerredinLink services) and five Australind railcars. We run four distinct services: yy The Prospector provides a daily service (and two on Mondays and Fridays) each way between Perth (the East Perth terminal) and Kalgoorlie for a total of 18 services a week. yy The Australind operates two daily return services between Bunbury and Perth for a total of 28 services a week. yy The AvonLink services Northam to Midland, provides three return services Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (except public holidays), one return service on a Wednesday and one return service on the weekend (either Saturday or Sunday), for a total of 28 services a week. yy The MerredinLink provides an all-stops return service between Perth (the East Perth terminal) and Merredin on a Wednesday, for a total of two services a week.
54 In 2014-15 Transwa employed 20 railcar drivers based at East Perth Patronage – trains and Bunbury. Australind on-board services are provided by Bunbury- Patronage on regional trains fell 0.43 per cent, from 219,030 to based Transwa staff, while a contractor provides on-board services on 218,077. This decrease can be attributed to a decline in patronage the Prospector, AvonLink and MerredinLink trains. on the Australind train (down 4.81 per cent). The Prospector and The road coach fleet consists of 22 five-star vehicles, operating AvonLink train services saw an increase in patronage (up 0.42 144 services a week. We employ 34 road coach operators. and 51.78 per cent respectively) from 2013-14. MerredinLink train patronage decreased by 34.87 per cent mainly due to the reduced Patronage frequency to services. Overall patronage decreased from 416,241 (2013-14) to 405,546 Transwa trains: Patronage (2014-15). This can be attributed to a lower patronage on the Australind train and road coaches (down 4.81 per cent and 4.93 150,000 respectively). Patronage on the MerredinLink train decreased by 120,000 34.96 per cent, attributed to the reduced number of services. Patronage on the Prospector increased slightly by 0.42 per cent, 90,000 while the AvonLink increased by 51.78 per cent, which is attributed to 60,000 the increase in services.
30,000 19,019 14,838 15,292 14,126 12,530 6,677 6,980 6,992 7,149 4,656 121,778 90,418 110,626 99,627 95,303 Transwa: Total patronage 115,835 117,456 88,725 105,295 89,107 0 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 500,000 Australind Prospector AvonLink MerredinLink 400,000
300,000
200,000
100,000 446,63 7 449,80 4 442,83 1 416,24 1 405,54 6 0 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
Public Transport Authority Annual Report 2014-15 55 Patronage – road coaches Transwa: OTR performance (per cent) Patronage on most of our coach routes slipped slightly throughout the year. 100 The overall result was down 4.93 per cent 80 at 187,469. 60 Transwa road coaches: Patronage 40
250,000 20 98 97 97 97 97 75 77 77 81 65 98 99 99 98 96 92 94 94 90 84 95 89 94 92 93 200,000 0 Road Coaches Prospector AvonLink MerredinLink Australind 150,000 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 100,000
50,000 The performance of the AvonLink and Australind trains were within reliability targets 212,92 6 212,07 0 208,95 4 197,21 1 187,46 9 0 (96 per cent and 93 per cent respectively). The MerredinLink was below target, 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 achieving 84 per cent service reliability, with the Prospector achieving 65 per cent (down from 80.78 per cent). Reliability The road coaches maintained a high level of reliability of 97 per cent, continuing a long record of achieving or improving on performance targets. The key performance indicator for service reliability is on-time running. Our 2014-15 OTR targets were: yy Prospector – 80 per cent of services to arrive within 15 minutes of schedule yy Australind – 90 per cent (10min) yy AvonLink – 95 per cent (10min) yy MerredinLink – 95 per cent (10min) yy Road coaches – 95 per cent (10min)
56 Maintenance Transwa entered into a new maintenance service level agreement with Transperth Train Operations for maintenance work following the introduction of an enhanced AvonLink service. The AvonLink enhancement provides more services, giving passengers more opportunity and flexibility to travel between Northam and Midland (via Toodyay). The rectification work to the Prospector intermediate car was completed in October 2014. The re-introduction of the railcar gives Transwa greater flexibility to turbo-chargers, wheel bearings, air bags, It is anticipated that the prototype road Prospector services. mufflers, starter motors, alternators, injectors coach will be delivered by December 2015. and suspension components that were All 23 new road coaches will be delivered by Upgrades beginning to age over time. June 2017. The ongoing review of Transwa road coach bus stop locations (including refreshment In the future Infrastructure facilities) over all services during the year The infrastructure project for a second The construction of the second high-level improved the running times. high‑level platform at Merredin remains platform at the Merredin Station will facilitate ongoing. Construction is expected to greater operational flexibility for when the Continuation of the road coach Preventative be complete by the end of the 2015-16 Prospector trains cross between Perth Maintenance Program (PMP) ensured that financial year. and Kalgoorlie. we maintained a high level of comfort for customers and improved coach reliability and A contract with Volvo Bus Australia (in safety. Phase seven of the PMP focussed partnership with Irizar), to replace the Transwa largely on the road coach water pumps, road coach fleet, was executed in May 2015.
Public Transport Authority Annual Report 2014-15 57 2.2.3 Regional (RTBS)
The PTA’s Regional Town Bus Services team manages school and town public bus services in regional towns throughout WA. RTBS is responsible for providing bus services in 14 major regional towns in rural WA and seven inter-town regional bus services – four in the Pilbara and one each in the Gascoyne, Goldfields and Mid‑West regions.
Fleet This year, the RTBS fleet grew to 154 vehicles, with the total number of PTA-owned buses increasing to 136 and the number of low-floor accessible buses at 124.
Patronage Total RTBS boardings decreased by 0.5 per cent from 2.537m in 2013-14, to 2.524m. Fare-paying boardings decreased 0.6 per cent from 2.189m to 2.175m. On intra-town bus services, total boardings decreased 0.6 per cent to 2.513m, while fare-paying boardings decreased 0.7 per cent to 2.165m. On inter-town services, total boardings increased 23.4 per cent to 10,886, while fare-paying boardings increased 16.4 per cent to 10,275.
58 Intra-Town 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 Total boardings (millions) 2.411 2.417 2.484 2.528 2.513 Fare-paying boardings (millions) 2.017 2.064 2.116 2.181 2.165
Inter-Town 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 Total boardings 6,532 8,610 8,193 8,825 10,886 Fare-paying boardings 6,532 8,610 8,193 8,825 10,275
Upgrades This program ensures that the regional Community consultation and information bus fleet meets Federal disability access sessions were held in Bunbury and Port RTBS has recently tendered and awarded standards, and passenger comfort continues Hedland to seek feedback from residents contracts for the Bunbury, Busselton, to improve. It is anticipated nine buses will be about local public transport services Broome, Manjimup and Collie contract placed in Port Hedland and one in Carnarvon and inform the public about changes to areas. The Bunbury and Busselton contract over the next year. Currently the RTBS fleet is the services. areas are the largest of the RTBS contracts, 80 per cent accessible. with these contracts awarded to Swan Transit Forty accessible bus stops have been in early 2015. Several more contract areas RTBS conducts field visits and audits introduced in Albany as part of the Regional will be tendered in 2015-16 as part of the contractors’ performance and passenger Bus Stop Accessibility program. boardings. Service audits of contractors RTBS procurement tendering strategy. Service improvements were implemented in conducted this year include Albany, Dunsborough, Carnarvon, Bunbury, Karratha The RTBS fleet replacement program Carnarvon, Esperance, Karratha, Kalgoorlie, and Broome. RTBS also implemented continued, based around rolling out low-floor Port Hedland and Collie. Service reviews a trial service for the local community in (accessible) buses from the Transperth fleet were conducted in Busselton, Carnarvon Broome North. to regional areas, with a view to reduce and Port Hedland to develop solutions for the average age of regional buses and regional transport issues, in consultation increase the percentage of low-floor vehicles. with local communities.
Public Transport Authority Annual Report 2014-15 59 Looking ahead All school and town services will continue to yy Service improvements are planned for be renumbered with unique route numbers to Busselton and Albany, with a view to The rollout of ‘Trans’ branding to the State’s facilitate the incorporation of regional services coordinating services for better integration regional centre bus operations has been into the Transperth Information Centre’s with School Bus Services. very effective in lifting the profile of public database and to allow the development of a yy RTBS will be procuring maintenance transport in regional WA. The rebranding for regional service journey planner. services for bus stop contracts in the Port Hedland will be the biggest initiative towns of Kalgoorlie, Geraldton, Bunbury, for RTBS in 2015-16. This will involve the All regional town service timetables Busselton, Albany and Carnarvon. supply and delivery of nine PTA-owned continue to be standardised in colour and low-floor buses, the implementation of format. The implementation of a standard yy A bus stop review for Kalgoorlie is planned the SmartRider ticketing system and the format will provide uniformity and a readily- which will include the installation of purchase of a dedicated depot facility in identifiable timetable suite for all regional accessible bus stops. Port Hedland. This significant investment town bus services. yy Community consultation for enhancements will vastly improve the level of services for Major initiatives scheduled for RTBS is planned for Kalgoorlie, Bunbury and the local community. 2015‑16 include: Port Hedland. The TransRegional website is soon to be yy The rollout of TransHedland and the released and is in the final stages of testing. installation of bus stops throughout the This will improve web-based and contact town in partnership with the Town of centre customer service information for all Port Hedland. The implementation of regional customers. SmartRider will also be a highlight.
This year, the RTBS fleet grew to154 vehicles
60 2.2.4 Regional (orange school buses) yy CRM (composite rate model) contracts (balance of 20-30-year term) – two contracts (two services). The PTA sets the policy and entitlement framework, provides yy Fixed-term contracts (1-15-year tendered term) – 150 contracts system support and manages the contract arrangements of (150 services). more than 952 orange school bus services around the State. yy Regional school bus cluster contracts (15-year contract term) – These buses provide access to school for students in rural areas, six contracts (63 services). picking them up from the farm gate (where appropriate) as well as yy DoE funded cluster contracts – four contracts (52 services). providing access to schools in the metropolitan area for students attending special education facilities. Responsibility for the Patronage management of these services rests with the School Bus Services Around the state, the services were accessed each school day by (SBS) branch. 28,200 students, using mainly the contracted orange school buses. These numbers include four cluster contracts made up of 52 contract SBS: Student patronage school buses that are funded by the Department of Education (DoE) and administered by SBS. These services do not form part of the 30,000 policy and entitlement framework for transport assistance. 29,000 28,200 27,792 Where eligible students cannot be accommodated on a school bus, 27,503 27,725 28,000 their parents/carers are paid a conveyance allowance to offset the cost of getting their children to the nearest appropriate school. 27,000 Fleet 26,000 25,000 As at June 30, the school bus network was made up of 823 contract 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 school buses servicing mainstream schools, and 129 servicing special education facilities. All orange school buses are operated by private The 2014-15 student data snapshot shows a 1.5 per cent contractors and in 2014-15 there were three contract service models. increase in the number of eligible students receiving school bus yy ECM (evergreen contract model) contracts (five-year term) – transport assistance. 685 contracts (685 services).
Public Transport Authority Annual Report 2014-15 61 The number of student travellers in the specific operational regions Capacity was as follows: Around the State, our services covered an average of 167,493km each school day, totalling 32.8 million contract service kilometres 2014-15 2013-14 Percentage Region for the year. Student data Student data change Gascoyne 145 172 -15.7% SBS: Average daily service kilometres (thousands) Goldfields 1,291 1,206 7.0% Esperance 175 Great Southern 2,894 2,780 4.1% 170 167.5 164.8 165.3 Kimberley 978 877 11.5% 165 162.7
Metropolitan 5,719 5,693 0.5% 160 Mid West 1,525 1,508 1.1% 155 Peel 2,382 2,879 -17.3% 150 Pilbara 410 316 29.7% 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 South West 7,919 7,578 4.5% Wheatbelt 4,838 4,783 1.1% Total 28,200 27,792 1.5%
Around the State, the services were accessed each school day by 28,200 students
62 In the specific operational regions, service kilometres were: Reliability
2014-15 2013-14 The service reliability measure covers rural mainstream services and Percentage Region Average daily Average daily education support school buses in the metropolitan area, and is change kilometres kilometres based upon arrival less than 10 minutes before school starts and departure less than 10 minutes after school finishes. Gascoyne 507 521 -2.6% Goldfields 9,867 9,560 3.2% SBS: Reliability (per cent) Esperance Great Southern 19,970 19,398 2.9% 98.8 99.8 100.0 98.2 100 Kimberley 5,114 5,440 -6.0% Metropolitan 27,562 26,610 3.6% 80 Mid West 11,938 11,566 3.2% 60
Peel 11,307 11,562 -2.2% 40
Pilbara 2,784 2,630 5.9% 20 South West 30,781 29,943 2.8% 0 Wheatbelt 47,662 48,085 -0.9% 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 Total 167,493 165,314 1.3% Looking ahead In 2014-15, SBS initiated a retrofitting program for child check alarms to be fitted on all existing orange buses under contract over a two-year period commencing on November 1, 2014 and concluding on October 31, 2016. The safety device is de‑activated by the driver who must walk to the rear of the bus where the device is located and so ensure that no child remains on the bus. The cost of this project is $1.05m.
Public Transport Authority Annual Report 2014-15 63 CASE STUDY
Right Track program and Banksia Hill Juvenile Detention Centre The PTA’s Right Track program (a targeted education program and community outreach initiative to promote responsible and positive choices around public transport) continued to grow in 2014-15 by working with the Banksia Hill Juvenile Detention Centre (BHJDC) on a joint program. The first three-week, six-session education program, specifically developed for high-risk young people, was delivered at the BHJDC in 2015.
After this program was completed and the Some key evaluation results from the education outcomes achieved, students program so far, based on participation went on to participate in a three-week Urban feedback include: Art program which tackled the issue of yy 65 per cent of participants said the graffiti vandalism and resulted in the creation program made a difference to the way of legitimate urban art murals within the they will act around public transport in detention centre. the future. When implementing the education program yy 62 per cent said they would not consider at BHJDC the circumstances were quite trespassing now that they are aware of different from many other stakeholder the dangers. collaborations. The Right Track program yy 94 per cent said they would not get collaborated with Community and Youth involved with illegal graffiti vandalism in Training Services (CYTS) who have unique the future (after completing the urban art experience in offering specialised training for aspect of the program). at-risk young people and are able to continue the educational care of the young people yy 100 per cent would recommend the within the detention centre once they have program to their mates. been returned to the community. CYTS had the flexibility to travel to Banksia Hill Detention Centre and engaged two dedicated staff members to deliver the specialised Right Track education program. 64 2.3 Working with our community
What sets the PTA apart is our pride in New Perth Stadium transport – To maximise movements to and from delivering our customers safely and on designing for the people the stadium across the Swan River, a time to their destinations. We realise spectacular pedestrian bridge is set that our network is integral to the Work on the $336 million integrated to become a new landmark in Perth. smooth operation of WA’s metropolitan transport solution for the new Perth Joint venture York Rizzani De Eccher, and regional towns, so this year we Stadium is well under way. Two major has designed and will construct the Swan continued to meet customer demand and contracts were awarded in 2014-15, the River Pedestrian Bridge, which will be 65m expectations by working hard to improve design is significantly progressing, and tall at its highest point and stretch 400m the efficiency and quality of our public forward works are almost completed to from bank to bank, with a steel cable-stay transport services. prepare for construction to begin. span of 160m at its centre. Only two piers To reach these outcomes our focus has been The proposed transport infrastructure will be driven into the river bed to respect on planning and reviewing our services and follows the new Perth Stadium’s fan-first the area’s heritage and minimise the impact projects in consultation with, and for the benefit philosophy with a focus on making it as on the river. of, the community. With plenty of major projects easy as possible to move 83 per cent of a The construction of the station and and upgrades proposed or under way across capacity crowd on event days. pedestrian bridge will begin in 2015 and will the State, there has been no better time to The Stadium Station, to be be completed ahead of the stadium’s first work with our community and stakeholders to constructed by the PRISM Alliance major event in 2018. identify transport solutions to suit their needs. (PTA, Laing O’Rourke and AECOM), After listening to our customers we’ve invested will cater for up to 28,000 people on DDA upgrade to Kenwick Station in smart, integrated transport options that event days and has been designed to In December 2014, Kenwick Station was the are set to change the way public transport complement the new Perth Stadium with fourth Armadale Line station to be upgraded is supplied across the State. We’ve also the passenger in mind. It will rival the as part of a $30 million commitment to meet continued to maintain and upgrade our network public transport options at some of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) standards. so that it remains resilient, safe, accessible and world’s most popular sporting venues While many of the PTA’s facilities are years reliable for our passengers for years to come. and will allow for a train to leave the ahead of official disability standards, some Some of this year’s highlights follow. station every few minutes from one of six of our older stations require works to meet platform faces. modern compliance standards.
Public Transport Authority Annual Report 2014-15 65 “What sets the PTA apart is our pride in delivering our customers safely and on time to their destinations.” Perth City Link Bus Project – an inclusive design approach The $213 million Perth Busport, set to open in mid-2016, is the final piece of transport The $8.5m upgrade to Kenwick Station Seeking to work with the community from work for the visionary Perth City Link project. involved improving platforms with new paving the onset, the project team delivered a and drainage, key tactile markers to define consultative engagement program that The underground station will be a far cry key areas for people with vision impairments, involved hearing the various concerns from the now-demolished Wellington Street and compliant access ramps. To create a and suggested alternatives of the local Bus Station that it’s replacing, and sets more enjoyable experience for passengers, community by coordinating information a new level of public transport for Perth the shelters were replaced with longer sessions, working with key stakeholders with Australia’s first airport-style dynamic canopies for more platform coverage and such as local government, and establishing stand‑allocation technology for a bus facility. also incorporate bright public art. a residents’ reference group. A dynamic stand system, similar to those Aubin Grove Station – This, coupled with robust design reviews used at airports, will enable 50 per cent and smarter optimisation of the surrounding increased capacity, to cope with future rises the community has spoken traffic network, saw a number of changes in bus service demand. The communities of Success, Hammond to the station access design and also The 116 screens dotted throughout the air Park and Aubin Grove are one step closer helped secure investment to double the conditioned and comfortable waiting lounge to having a new train station, with significant number of lanes on Russell Road. will alert passengers from which stand their planning and design works now completed A recent survey, completed by more than bus will leave, and when. for the future Aubin Grove Station. 380 local residents, saw that there is high Though the technology has been used Announced in July 2014, the rail and bus support for the $105 million project with overseas, the design presents unique station located north of Russell and Gibbs 91 per cent of the respondents feeling challenges, particularly for passengers with roads in the median of the Kwinana Freeway, positive towards the construction of the a vision impairment or disability. Ensuring will open its doors in early 2017 for an new station. all passengers can easily use the future expected 3900 boardings each weekday. Construction of the Aubin Grove Station underground Perth Busport is critical – While local residents are excited about the is expected to begin in late 2015 for which is why a Perth Busport Accessibility project, the PTA has made a conscious effort completion in early 2017. and Inclusion Reference Group was to address concerns about traffic, noise and created in 2014, with representatives from other impacts the station may have.
66 various disability associations to offer advice Bike shelter upgrade Forrestfield-Airport Link – on how to best cater for passengers with engaging our stakeholders different needs. To continue improving bike shelter access, security and reliability at our Following State Cabinet endorsement of the David Vosnacos, Metro Services Coordinator train stations, six new bike shelters were PDP for the Forrestfield Airport Link in August for VisAbility (formally known as Association constructed and five existing shelters this year, the aim has been to heavily involve for the Blind) welcomed the opportunity to extended this year. stakeholders and the local community with the provide input on the project. Stations with high bike patronage had project from start to finish. “Through our involvement we are able to their existing shelters extended or new Right from the project’s launch, the intention present the different views of our members,” shelters constructed with the electronic has been to inform the community not only he said. Lock ‘n’ Ride bike parking system which about the benefits of the project broadly but “By being involved in the planning process requires users to register their SmartRider also the potential impacts and opportunities we are able to develop training strategies card to access the shelter. it can present. Carrying out a number of for our members in how to navigate The installation of the card reader system ongoing engagement activities has so far through the Perth Busport before it is even has allowed an extra 4900 registered users been successful in gaining stakeholder and physically completed.” to easily gain access to the shelters via community input. In addition to the reference groups, a 1.5m their SmartRider. The system allows us to In particular, technical working groups have tactile model of the future Perth Busport centrally monitor shelter access and has been formed to focus on the two proposed has toured various disability organisations. made bike theft more difficult, as users are suburban stations - Airport West and With tactile markers and braille in the model, unable to exit the shelter without their card. Forrestfield - to achieve combined benefits of visually‑impaired passengers can touch and The construction of six new shelters and development in the area and improve access interact with the model to become familiar with extension of five others has increased to public transport and associated amenities. the new Perth Busport’s layout and features. bike parking capacity to approximately With the help of the City of Belmont, The Perth Busport construction is 65 per cent 1150 spaces. a community reference group was also complete and is on track for the first of 25,000 established to decide the likely final position of passengers and 150 buses to begin using the the future Airport West Station as well as best facility in mid-2016. approaches to improve the station’s surrounds to complement community growth in the area.
Public Transport Authority Annual Report 2014-15 67 The project has partnered with Perth Airport Escalator and lift upgrade New City West crossover and Pty Ltd on the anticipated below-ground Sutherland Street Substation station at its Airport Central Precinct to In June 2013, the PTA began a better cater for the expected increase of air $7.1 million project to replace escalators To improve our system and make it more passengers and employees at this major and lifts at five stations along the resilient, rail infrastructure near City West aviation hub in the future. Joondalup Line and four escalators at Station was upgraded as part of a $5 million Perth Station to ensure a more reliable venture in strengthening the Fremantle Line’s To deliver a project that is innovative service for station users. operational capability. and sustainable, it was decided to seek endorsement from the Infrastructure Replacing the escalators and lifts Works involved the installation of a new Sustainability Council of Australia (a first for will minimise long-term passenger crossover and associated rail between the PTA). Avoiding negative environmental inconvenience and allow a much larger City West and West Leederville stations, impacts has been a priority since the lift with wider doors to be installed for the construction of a new power feeder beginning, so the project has carried out improved pram and wheelchair access. station on Sutherland Street and generally realigning rail systems in the area. rigorous environmental studies and has To date, six escalators have been lodged for both State and Federal approvals. replaced and all stations (except Construction of the 15MVA (megavolt amp) Aboriginal participation has also been Glendalough) have undergone a lift electrical substation on Sutherland Street identified as a major cornerstone of success replacement. Upgrades to Joondalup was completed in April 2015 and will supply and engagement for the project and for the and Warwick stations were finalised this traction power to both the Fremantle and PTA’s ongoing relationship with the Aboriginal year and works to Perth, Glendalough, Joondalup lines. Together, the substation and community. Consultation has continued Whitford and Stirling stations are the fitting of overhead line equipment and two with the Whadjuk Working Party and a currently under way. motorised isolators now has the capability to power trains over the City West crossover and detailed Aboriginal Participation Plan will be The project, which aims to ensure our developed by the construction contractor to allow them to turn back at West Leederville stations remain accessible and operating Station. This will allow trains to operate meet specified targets for employment and at all times, is due for completion by between City West and Fremantle in the event business opportunities for Aboriginal people. late 2016. of the railway being shut down in Perth. Construction will begin in 2016 with the first These upgrades have improved network safety trains running on the line in 2020. and performance, increased efficiency, and provided contingency options for instances like disruption.
68 CASE STUDY
Transperth rail services voted best in the nation
Transperth won City Trains - Most Satisfied Customers award for the fourth time - in other words, every time the survey has been conducted over the past five years. An independent survey shows Transperth operates the best trains in the country, with maximum five-star ratings received in six of the eight categories assessed. National consumer research company, Canstar Blue, has again presented Transperth with the award after surveying and measuring train commuter satisfaction across the country. Transperth was the only train service provider in Australia to be awarded five stars (outstanding value) under the category of overall satisfaction. It also achieved the maximum five-star rating in the categories of service reliability, trip comfort, train/station cleanliness and ticketing system. Four stars out of five were received for ticket price and safety.
Public Transport Authority Annual Report 2014-15 69 2.4 Fares and other revenue Metro Transperth applies a common fare structure across its integrated bus, train and ferry service network. Fares are based on a zonal system with nine concentric bands – travel within zone one covers a distance of eight kilometres, zones two and three each covers nine kilometres, and each zone in zones four to nine covers 10km. Fares are set for travel within a specified number of zones. A short distance fare is available for trips of up to 3.2km (two sections). Students up to Year 12 pay a flat fare for all travel during the gazetted school year except on weekends. In addition, there are multi-trip daily tickets for individuals (DayRider) and groups (FamilyRider). Passengers are able to transfer between services and modes without extra charge within two hours on journeys of up to four zones and within three hours on journeys of between five and nine zones. This free transfer facility is available on the two-section fare only if the transfer can be made without a break in the journey and if the boarding and alighting points are within one section of the zone boundary or within one section of the transfer point.
70 The two cash fares schedules that were implemented during 2014-15 are shown below. Transperth cash fares schedule 2014-15
Effective July 1, 2014 Effective November 1, 2014 (following abolition of the carbon tax) Standard Concession Other Standard Concession Other 2 Sections $2.10 $0.80 $2.00 $0.80 1 Zone $2.90 $1.20 $2.90 $1.20 2 Zones $4.40 $1.80 $4.40 $1.70 3 Zones $5.30 $2.10 $5.20 $2.10 4 Zones $6.30 $2.50 $6.20 $2.50 5 Zones $7.80 $3.10 $7.70 $3.10 6 Zones $8.80 $3.50 $8.70 $3.50 7 Zones $10.30 $4.10 $10.20 $4.10 8 Zones $11.10 $4.40 $11.00 $4.40 9 Zones $12.10 $4.80 $11.80 $4.70 DayRider $12.10 $4.80 $11.80 $4.70 FamilyRider $12.10 $11.80 Student (a) $0.60 $0.60 24 Hour SmartRider (b) $5.10 $5.00 Unrestricted half-yearly (c) $98.40 $98.40 Unrestricted monthly (c) $16.40 $16.40
(a) Available only as a SmartRider. Valid for all travel on Transperth services from Monday to Friday from the first to the last gazetted school day of the year; during mid-year school term holidays; and on public holidays that fall on a weekday during the school year. (b) Only sold to welfare agencies to be given to their clients. (c) Only available to persons receiving the disability support pension and employed in a supported employment setting. Persons receiving the disability support pension but not employed in a supported employment setting may apply for this ticket if they satisfied specified criteria.
Public Transport Authority Annual Report 2014-15 71 Discounts on cash fares are provided through Fare-paying boardings (including special the SmartRider system and are based on the events) accounted for 55 per cent of reload method used. A discount of 25 per cent total boardings in 2014-15 compared is available to users choosing Autoload through with 56 per cent in 2013-14. Free travel direct debit or credit card, and a discount accounted for 15 per cent (14 per cent) and of 15 per cent to those who choose other transfers were 30 per cent (unchanged). reload methods (i.e. through BPAY, add‑value SmartRider accounted for 75 per cent of machines, on board bus/ferry, and at retail In 2014-15, SmartRider fare-paying boardings (including special sales outlets and InfoCentres). accounted for events), up from 74 per cent in 2013-14. SmartRider continues to lead Australia in Cash boardings made up 25 per cent of all initial smartcard ticketing technology and during (26 per cent) and special events two 77% 2014-15 accounted for 77 per cent of all per cent (unchanged). boardings on the initial boardings on the Transperth network. Excluding special events, standard-fare It provides a complete and accurate record Transperth network passengers accounted for 52 per cent of SmartRider boardings because users are of cash and paid SmartRider boardings required to tag on and tag off on smartcard (54 per cent in 2013-14), concessions processors on board buses and ferries and at 32 per cent (unchanged) and students train stations. up to Year 12 were 13 per cent The 2015 PSM showed that 99 per cent of bus (12 per cent in 2013-14), while FamilyRider passengers (97 per cent in 2014), 97 per cent numbers contributed three per cent of train passengers (97 per cent) and (two per cent previously). 97 per cent of ferry passengers (97 per cent) Free travel on Transperth services expressed satisfaction with SmartRider. comprises SmartRider-based free travel Ticketing facilities provided for passengers by seniors, aged/disability pensioners and who choose to pay cash for their travel are carers which is electronically recorded on electronic ticket issuing machines (ETIMs) all modes, free travel on passes (manually on all buses and ferries, and ticket vending recorded on bus and ferry but not recorded machines (TVMs) at all train stations and on train), bus and train travel within the ferry jetties. FTZ, and travel on CAT and Midland Shuttle services.
72 Boardings on bus services within the FTZ and boardings on Perth Revenue and expenditure CAT services are estimated based on surveys carried out at regular In 2014-15, the total cost per passenger kilometre (i.e. including intervals by independent consultants; boardings on Fremantle capital charges) for Transperth bus, train and ferry services rose and Joondalup CAT services and on the Midland Shuttle service 2.8 per cent to $0.641 compared with $0.623 in 2013-14. The 0.9 are reported by the contractors. Free train travel within the FTZ is per cent increase in passenger kilometres combined with an increase available only to SmartRider users and boardings are recorded on the of 3.8 per cent in system total cost contributed to the increase in the SmartRider system. average cost. Transfers by SmartRider users accounted for 79 per cent of total Transperth: Total cost per passenger kilometre ($) transfers in 2014-15, up from 78 per cent in 2013-14.
The 2013-14 State Budget announced the introduction of paid car 1.00 parking for all Park ‘n’ Ride bays at metropolitan train stations from 0.80 July 1, 2014. The move to all paid parking provided the PTA with an 0.623 0.641 0.534 0.544 0.569 opportunity to streamline the existing cash payment process. The new 0.60 arrangement, branded SmartParker, enables patrons to register up to 0.40 three cars in the My Account function on the Transperth website and pay for parking with their SmartRider card, without the need to display 0.20 a ticket on the vehicle. The ability to purchase a cash parking ticket 0.00 still exists at most stations. 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 The SmartParker system has been very successful with 131,178 vehicles registered against 110,981 SmartRider cards in the first Passenger kilometres are calculated using the average trip length year of operation. SmartParker accounted for 83 per cent of all paid for each mode derived from SmartRider tag on/tag off data. The tag parking transactions. on/tag off process accurately records the length of each SmartRider journey leg including transfers. The average trip length calculated for SmartRider users is applied to cash boardings to estimate transfers by cash passengers. Estimated trip lengths are applied to boardings on bus services in the FTZ and on CAT and Midland Shuttle services. The average trip length on free train travel within the FTZ, which is available only to SmartRider users, is recorded on the SmartRider system.
Public Transport Authority Annual Report 2014-15 73 System expenditure and revenue Transperth: System revenue ($ millions) Transperth: System expenditure ($ millions) 250 214.546 215.511 222.736 191.739 200 169.494 911.800 946.280 1,000 847.882 194.006 197.950 198.360 779.186 150 176.059 800 731.790 155.854 100 600 681.875 693.205 634.130 566.474 50 400 523.948 0 200 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
0 Total revenue Fare revenue 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
Total expenditure Operating expenditure Transperth revenue continued to increase, although at a lower rate. Total revenue (which, in addition to fares includes income from parking, advertising, rent, infringements and other miscellaneous Total expenditure on Transperth services increased 3.8 per cent items) increased by 3.4 per cent in 2014-15 to $222.736m from in 2014-15 to $946.280m from $911.800m in 2013-14. $215.511m in 2013-14 compared with increases of 0.4 per cent in Operating expenditure (excluding annual capital charges) increased 2013-14, 11.9 per cent in 2012-13, and 13.1 per cent in 2011-12. 1.7 per cent to $693.205m from $681.875m in 2013-14. Fare revenue includes revenue from cash tickets and SmartRider Across the modes, total expenditure on train increased 4.8 per cent, paid boardings, full or part funding for CAT services, funding 2.8 per cent on bus and 1.1 per cent on ferry. Operating expenditure contributions for the provision of specific bus services, revenue from increased 1.3 per cent on train and 2.0 per cent on bus. joint ticketing for special events (where the public transport fare is included in the price of the event ticket), and income from the sale of SmartRider cards. In 2014-15, fare revenue on the Transperth system increased by 0.2 per cent to $198.360m from $197.950m in 2013-14 compared with increases of 2.0 per cent in 2013-14, 10.2 per cent in 2012-13, and 13 per cent in 2011-12.
74 Across the modes, train fare revenue rose 1.4 per cent to $114.798m The increase in operating costs is attributable to the continuation from $113.222m, while bus recorded a decrease of 1.0 per cent of the bus service expansion program which increased the annual to $81.987m from $82.811m. Fare revenue on the ferry fell for service kilometres, Transperth’s primary cost driver, by 2.201 million the second year in succession by 13.3 per cent to $0.417m kilometres. This program and the additional service levels needed to from $0.481m. cater for the change of Year Seven students starting high school, have also required an increase to the bus fleet size, the main cause of the Costs of the service increase in capital costs. In 2014-15, the total cost of providing Transperth train services, including annual capital charges, was up 4.8 per cent, from Regional $466.246m in 2013-14, to $488.395m. Annual capital charges (interest and depreciation) rose 10.8 per cent to $188.747m. Transwa Train operating costs – direct operating costs and transfer expenses The average cost per passenger kilometre went down 3.6 per cent for (infrastructure maintenance and corporate overheads) – rose road coaches to $0.25, and increased for rail by 0.9 per cent to $0.45. 1.3 per cent to $299.648m. Direct operating costs increased 4.4 per cent to $189.055m from $181.118m in 2013-14. This increase Transwa: Average cost per passenger kilometre ($) was primarily attributed to the opening of Butler Station and the 0.5 introduction of additional B-Series railcars. 0.4 The total cost of operating Transperth bus services was $456.931m, up 2.8 per cent from $444.610m in 2013-14. Operating costs 0.3 rose two per cent to $392.692m from $385.086m, while annual 0.2 capital charges (interest and depreciation) increased 7.9 per cent to $64.238m from $59.524m. 0.1 0.22 0.43 0.22 0.40 0.23 0.46 0.26 0.45 0.25 0.45 0.0 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
Road Coaches Rail
Public Transport Authority Annual Report 2014-15 75 Revenue and expenditure Transwa: Expenditure ($ million) Revenue was down 1.86 per cent at $10m, due primarily to a 60 decrease in passenger numbers on the Australind train service. 50 Expenditure was also lower – down 2.52 per cent to $46.66m. 40 Transwa: Revenue ($ million) 30 20 12.0 10
10.0 46.2 2 47.0 4 46.5 1 49.7 0 49.9 6 51.3 5 47.8 7 50.6 3 46.6 6 47.9 1 0 8.0 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
6.0 Actual Budget 4.0 2.0
10.4 1 11.2 2 11.2 5 10.1 9 10.0 0 Regional Town Bus Services 0.0 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 Cost of the service The cost of operating regional town bus services in 2014-15 Transwa: Revenue by service ($ million) was $18m, up 3.4 per cent from $17.4m in 2013‑14. The cost of intra-town services increased 3.7 per cent from $16.3m to 6.0 $16.9m, while the inter-town services cost increased 8.4 per cent 5.0 from $1,050,602 to $1,138,529. 4.0 3.0 2.0 1.0 2.00 1.95 2.05 1.69 1.65 0.13 0.14 0.13 0.11 0.18 0.09 0.11 0.12 0.11 0.07 3.63 4.27 4.11 3.71 3.80 4.57 4.76 4.84 4.56 4.30 0.0 Australind AvonLink MerredinLink Prospector Road Coaches
2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
76 CASE STUDY
Keeping fare evasion at bay
With fare evasion rates up to 10 times lower than other cities, how does Transperth manage to discourage potential fare evaders? With watchful Transperth staff and the state-of-the-art SmartRider ticketing system, we’ve managed to ensure Transperth experiences the lowest rate of fare evasion in Australia.
Did you know Transperth has the lowest rate and passenger ticketing assistants all do of fare evasion in the country? their bit to ensure passengers are using services fairly. With less than one per cent of passengers on the Transperth network evading fares, The highly-successful SmartRider system compared to between five and 10 per cent in also plays an important role in preventing other cities, it begs the question – how does fare evasion. Transperth staff can efficiently Transperth do it? assess a passenger’s right to travel without having to check individual paper tickets for Director of Security Services Steven expiry dates and zoning information. Furmedge puts it down to a multi-disciplinary approach, with PTA staff working hard over “We can carry out about half a million ticket the last ten years to bring the rate of fare checks a week by scanning the cards and evasion down. checking if they have been validated before someone boards a service,” Steve said. “There are about 500 staff who conduct regular ticket checks on board trains, at The visible presence of Transperth staff “All Transperth staff who conduct ticket stations and at fare gates,” Steve said. across the network helps to dissuade checks provide a visible security presence on “Everyone works really hard to make sure anti‑social behaviour, including fare evasion. our network and there is evidence to suggest that only people with a valid ticket are on The PTA employs about 270 transit it makes all our passengers feel even safer,” our services.” officers, transit supervisors and transit Steve said. “We issue about 1500 to 2000 shift commanders; which is more security fines each week. Obviously we would like Transperth’s revenue protection officers, personnel per passenger than any other it if we didn’t have to issue any but that’s transit officers, customer service assistants public transport system in Australia. probably not realistic.”
Public Transport Authority Annual Report 2014-15 77 The POD division takes the lead role in ensuring 2.5 Our people the PTA achieves its KRAs to Secure a workforce with the right capabilities and attitudes to realise The People and Organisational Development (POD) division our vision. To accomplish this, POD works contributes to the PTA’s business performance through the collaboratively with the other PTA divisions provision of strategic people and organisational development to design and implement initiatives to attract, programs and projects and a range of essential human resource support, develop, manage and retain people policies, processes, systems and services. with the right skills and qualities to achieve the PTA’s current and future goals. In 2014-15, the focus was on attracting, developing and retaining culturally diverse people with the skills needed to perform the PTA’s critical roles particularly in the Network and 14.8% workforce Infrastructure division. POD consists of four branches which work together to deliver integrated products and job applications received services. They are: 4940 for 176 positions offered yy Learning and Development yy Human Resource Services (HR Consultancy, Recruitment and Establishment, Personnel and Payroll) yy Human Resource Strategy years’ yy Labour Relations Thirteen employees recognised for 40+ service
of the workforce is employed 60% in operational areas
78 People matrix 1. Total number of employees: Occupational groupings yy 1654 as at June 30, 2015 yy 60 per cent are employed in operations yy 1594 as at June 30, 2014 which involves looking after the day-to- day processes of delivering a public % 2. Percentage gender split as at June 30: transport system 24 yy 24 per cent females females yy 20 per cent are employed in infrastructure yy 76 per cent males which relates to the construction and maintenance of tracks, signals, stations 3. Percentage of workforce from culturally and other facilities which allow trains diverse backgrounds: to run yy 14.8 per cent yy 20 per cent support the service delivery 4. Percentage of employees with the PTA for in the areas of policy development 1654 more than five years: and implementation, safety, contracts, employees yy 61 per cent communication and other corporate areas as at June 30 yy Train drivers: 15 per cent 5. Number of applications received in 2014‑15: yy Transit officers: 16 per cent yy Customer and ticketing service staff: yy 4940 applications received (176 were 11 per cent offered positions, including offers to appointment pool) yy Engineers: 4 per cent yy Road coach operators: 2 per cent 6. Number of people commenced 76% employment in 2014-15: yy Signal and electrical technicians: 1 per cent males yy 164 commenced with the PTA yy Catenary maintainers (electrical overhead): 2 per cent yy Railway track maintainers: 2 per cent yy Train controllers: 1 per cent yy Contract administrators: 3 per cent
Public Transport Authority Annual Report 2014-15 79 Strategic people management capabilities to support the achievement of and capabilities through workforce the PTA’s business goals. The PTA maintains forecasting. There has been a shift in focus To provide safe, customer-focussed, its focus on providing experiential learning in the approach to ensuring a suitable integrated and efficient transport services and regular feedback in the development supply of employees for critical roles within to the people of Western Australia and be program for employees. N&I, moving towards a ‘grow your own’ recognised as a leader in public transport approach rather than relying on the external The advancement and implementation of services and solutions, a key focus of marketplace and graduates. This shift the Succession Risk Management Program the PTA is to secure a workforce with the is most notable in critical infrastructure has continued across the PTA with its right capabilities and attitudes (KRA 2 of roles such as signals and overheads. focus on reducing succession risk in critical the Strategic Plan 2014-2017). POD’s The introduction of development programs roles. Establishing a system to facilitate the branches collectively address the strategic and competency pathways complements long-term development of high-potential people management challenges facing the this approach. Moreover, this is necessary employees is another strategy being PTA and this is achieved through a variety for securing the required workforce in this introduced to consolidate and secure our of strategies. critical division in the longer term. current and future workforce needs. Leadership development of employees within Rolling transit recruitment campaigns and The PTA’s performance appraisal system, the PTA continues to be a key strategy to targeted recruitment are two other strategies My Action Plan (MAP), continues to be an reinforce the values, capabilities and attitudes that have continued to help secure our important tool for identifying and building required of our workforce. The cohort of 20 workforce, as has continued streamlining of the workforce capabilities for all employees key leaders selected for development in the recruitment and induction processes. and reinforcing the required behaviours and previous year successfully completed the values. The PTA exceeded the target of The PTA maintains a strong commitment nationally-recognised qualification. 75 per cent completion rate with 81 per cent to continuously reviewing our processes in In addition, new leadership short-series employees reporting they had a MAP accordance with public sector standards in workshops were conducted and well discussion within the past 12 months. human resource management to sustain a attended. The Human Synergistics’ In 2014-15, employees received feedback for high standard of merit, equity and probity. Lifestyles Inventory has been selected the first time on their professional behaviour As part of our continuous improvement as the primary 360deg feedback tool to as part of the MAP process. strategy, reviews of key policies and support the improvement of our managers’ procedures have been undertaken with Workforce planning was conducted across core leadership capabilities. Development subsequent guidance and support to the PTA with a sustained emphasis on of a Management Capability Framework our managers and employees to ensure the key operational areas of N&I and TTO. an approach that is fully aligned to the will complement the Leadership Capability The PTA’s focus is on clearly identifying PTA values. Framework and align management both current and future workforce needs
80 Learning and Development In 2014-15, the Learning and Development branch has worked with our business partners to deliver training/learning with the core outcomes of safety and technical competence. Learning and Development is developing and delivering all internal training relating to the Network Rules 2015 project. This project sees a major revamp to rail safety rules relating to working on the railway perway and requires the re-training of employees and contractors. Our e-learning training continues to grow, delivering mandatory training to our operational employees at various locations around the network. E-learning training Qualifications updated or being updated are: Labour Relations includes: yy Certificate II Customer Service The remuneration and employment yy Emergency Management Manual yy Certificate IV Railcar Driver conditions for PTA employees are governed yy Westplan by industrial agreements registered in the The new qualification added to our scope is: yy Environmental Supervisor WA Industrial Relations Commission. yy Certificate III Track Protection Learning and Development is a Registered The Labour Relations branch has continued Training Organisation. It is recognised that to These changes will ensure the PTA is able to undertake a key role in dispute resolution, continue to deliver high-quality services, our to adapt more quickly to changes in industry policy development, enterprise bargaining employees need to be technically competent. expectations and can continue to be a and the provision of strategic advice to As the rail industry is unique, business leading provider of passenger rail services operational managers in relation to work decisions have been made to update in Australia. reform initiatives. qualifications and include new qualifications to our scope.
Public Transport Authority Annual Report 2014-15 81 CASE STUDY
School Bus Services – Year Seven transition
For the first time in WA, the start of 2015 saw a new school arrangement where Year Seven students were transitioned from primary school to high school as part of a restructure to the public education system. After intensive operational planning and logistical changes to both SBS’ orange school bus arrangements as well as Transperth’s metro-area school bus services network (the most significant ever undertaken), the PTA was there to assist the smooth transition of primary school students to secondary school across the state. After years in the making, February 2 was the Considerable time and effort was invested in From extensive research and planning, it was day that approximately 12,000 Year Seven making sure this large logistical project was estimated that there’d be a high increase in students made the move from primary school well planned, by: routes used by secondary school students. to high school for the first time. Alongside the To accommodate the demand for services, yy Monitoring the number of students using restructure of WA’s public education system, significant changes were made to bus routes our services to determine where to came a greater demand for Transperth to get and timetables, and an additional 36 buses allocate extra resources. students to and from school. were added to the Perth metropolitan yy Speaking to schools and bus drivers network and 10 additional buses added to In response, significant changes were made to determine where the demand was regional town services around the state. to the metropolitan and regional school bus greatest and what services needed to services network to boost capacity and be adjusted. In the lead up to the changes, Transperth realign services to offer the best possible undertook a comprehensive communications yy Adding extra services at some schools service across the network. campaign, It’s Revision Time, to ensure between July and October 2014 in everyone was aware of the changes and The changes to the school bus services preparation for the 2015 school year. planned their journey prior to the first day were the most significant ever undertaken. yy Combining under-performing services of school. Planning for the change was years in the to free up buses to supplement heavily making – with the PTA working closely with loaded trips. It was a critical time for Year Seven students, the Department of Education three years and the alterations to Transperth’s school bus prior to the transition to guarantee measures services network enhanced their journey into were taken to assist students to adjust to secondary school. their new schools.
82 Public Transport Authority Annual Report 2014-15 83 In 2014-15, the PTA’s Health and Wellbeing program continued operations‑based locations. Several initiatives such as tailored programs and seminars on to pursue a shift from focussing on activities to results specific topics such as sleep and fatigue were implemented to better accommodate the needs of operational employees. Educational workshops have been delivered across the different operational areas to increase the program’s visibility and raise Diversity actions that support relationships, foster employee awareness. With these initiatives, respect and provide opportunities. The PTA’s Workforce and Diversity Plan both participation and engagement 2012‑2016 identifies a range of strategies to The PTA aims to employ a workforce that rates increased, especially in the PTA’s ensure that we have the right workforce to reflects the community’s diversity and operational areas. deliver business objectives. provides a workplace where differences are Greater emphasis was also based on valued and respected. We are committed to The WDP establishes targets for workforce the reporting and evaluation of different creating an environment where all employees activities and challenges the program participation of various groups consistent and members of the public are treated with with core business goals and in line with offered. Employee feedback has assisted fairness, dignity and respect in accordance in the evaluation of the delivery of the the WA Equal Opportunity Act 1984 and with equal opportunity laws and principles. other relevant legislation. It also considers current program and provided further ideas for increasing participation rates across untapped sources of potential employees. Health and lifestyle Utilising all sources and encouraging operational areas, accommodating the varied applicants from all diversity groups will In 2014-15, the PTA’s Health and Wellbeing work schedules present in the PTA. enhance the performance of the PTA and program continued to pursue a shift from In the coming year, the program will its ability to meet core business needs in a focussing on activities to results. In support of completely shift to an operational focus with changing business landscape. this, more attention has been given to rolling more seminars and tailored programs. It will out different programs to all PTA employees, The PTA also has a Reconciliation Action continue its focus of improving its metrics, irrespective of their locations. Plan 2013-2015, that identifies, in practical and refining its ability to demonstrate the PTA’s ways, how it promotes the shared interests Data shows that the program’s participants return on investment. Greater consultation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are almost balanced between the with stakeholders continues to be a key driver and other Australians through measurable Public Transport Centre and the PTA’s in the ongoing success of the Health and Wellbeing program.
84 Service milestones A number of our people achieved significant service milestones in 2014-15. Awards recognising 40 and 50 years of service went to the following employees:
Name Position Service milestone Lenard Papprill Senior Customer Service Officer 50-year award (Aug 2014) Michael Watts Passenger Service Manager Fremantle/Midland 50-year award (Jan 2015) Brian Sutherland Senior Customer Service Officer Bunbury 50-year award (Jan 2015) Arthur Austin Railcar Driver Claisebrook 50-year award (Mar 2015) Stephen Elliott Railcar Driver Nowergup 40-year award (Aug 2014) Douglas Burrows Suburban Operations Coordinator 40-year award (Sep 2014) Graham Payne Train Controller 40-year award (Oct 2014) Eric Doust Driver Coordinator Nowergup 40-year award (Oct 2014) Giuseppe Faranda Customer Service Assistant Armadale 40-year award (Oct 2014) John Kitis Transit Manager Admin Revenue 40-year award (Nov 2014) Ray Rebeiro Railcar Driver Trainer East Perth 40-year award (Feb 2015) Timothy Trigwell Manager Safeworking 40-year award (Feb 2015) John Turner Mechanical Fitter 40-year award (Apr 2015)
Public Transport Authority Annual Report 2014-15 85 CASE STUDY
SmartParker – freeing up bays for our customers
To ensure Transperth car parks are reserved for the use of patrons, from July 1, 2014, the SmartParker system was introduced. A $2 per day parking fee was rolled out across the network, with some clever initiatives to ensure that patrons are indeed using Transperth services. By encouraging patrons to link their vehicle registration with their SmartRider to pay for parking, the SmartParker system is a highly-efficient way to ensure that parking bays will remain available for Transperth customers.
In an effort to keep Transperth parking bays While passengers at most stations also have free for our customers, the PTA introduced the option to buy a cash ticket at the station, SmartParker across the network – an the relative ease of the SmartParker system efficient and cashless way of paying for encourages passengers to register. parking using an existing SmartRider. To ensure that patrons are indeed parking Passengers are now required to pay with the intention of using a Transperth $2 per day to park at Transperth car parks. service, they must tag on to a Transperth Commuters rose to the occasion with more bus or train or they will not be able to swipe than 20,000 SmartRiders registered for paid into SmartParker the next time they park. parking before the change was introduced If a vehicle isn’t registered or no ticket is on July 1, 2014. displayed, a $50 infringement awaits, with parking attendants able to use license plate By registering their car vehicle registration recognition software to check if parking has number with their SmartRider using the My been paid for. Account section of the Transperth website, passengers are able to park their cars, Parking on weekends and public holidays is motorbikes or scooters, swipe their cards on free, as is parking outside the hours of 5am the machine and then head straight to the and 9pm on weekdays. station without having to display a ticket on their dashboard.
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