Future Public Transport Options for Toowoomba for the Next Twenty Years
University of Southern Queensland Faculty of Engineering and Surveying Future Public Transport Options for Toowoomba for the Next Twenty Years. Belinda Freeman 0061032749 10/10/16 1 Abstract Expanding cities around the world are facing the harsh reality of insufficient public transport systems. As Toowoomba, Australia is a high growth city with a lower than average percent (0.7%) of the population utilising public transport, particularly in the north-eastern suburb of Mt Lofty, it was selected for analysis (Census Data: Toowoomba, 2011). The literature review included the types of public transportation, the need and importance of public transport in cities and the characteristics of an effective public transport system. Major factors controlling the current development and use of public transport in Toowoomba are identified. Current public transport networks within Australia and around the world that are deemed effective in their operation are identified. The common technologies and strategies that contribute to an effective public transport network are determined. Within the study area, Mt Lofty, the resident’s opinions are collected to determine a clear picture of what needs to be improved or changed for public transport usage to increase. The cities that were selected for a public transport analysis are Wellington, Geelong, Hobart, Hamilton, Barnsley and Saskatoon. Discussion points were collaborated and then recommendations are made. The long and short term recommendations include ‘dial and go service’, longer hours of operations, Sunday services, electronic tickets, routes revision, higher frequency’s services, night services, CDB shuttle and free public transport for students and/or seniors. This study provides recommendations to the Queensland Government that will improve the usage of the public transport service provided by Qconnect in Toowoomba within the next twenty years as the city continues to grow.
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