New Trial Service - Route 529

[laptop15]

Well I hope it works because its a good link for people south of Cockburn to get t the Armadale area.

[busdriver12]

I ran a couple of 529's this afternoon. I left Cockburn at 1723 with 3 passengers all who went all the way to Armadale. On the return journey from Armadale I did the trip with an empty bus.

[laptop15]

I ran a couple of 529's this afternoon. I left Cockburn at 1723 with 3 passengers all who went all the way to Armadale. On the return journey from Armadale I did the trip with an empty bus.

Thats a start

[busdriver12]

I crossed 2 buses on the trip back to Cockburn. After checking the timetable there is a 30 min frequency during peaks and given the loading I experienced can't seeing it lasting unless there is a cut back in service level. However, it was a pleasant drive compared to the hurley burley of the Circle Route and the terrace

Back to reality today...

[kp.nuts]

I can't see this service being used for anything other than Armadale passengers to go to Cockburn shops/station, or Cockburn passengers to go to Armadale shops/station (I'm well aware that seems like a pointless statement, let me finish).

I can't imagine this bus stopping anywhere between about Eighth Rd Armadale and Cockburn station, except maybe once or twice a day for a Forrestdale passenger. Everyone living between Eight Rd Armadale and Armadale station would probably go to Armadale station, rather than Cockburn, and they have a choice of 2 services for that. Everyone living near Cockburn would probably go to Cockburn shops/station, rather than Armadale station. And most of those people would have a bus service already, with a better frequency.

The only time Cockburn area passengers would go to Armadale is for Kmart/Target, or for a station on the Armadale line. Maybe Burswood? But it might be quicker to go in/out of the city for that, especially with having to change trains for Armadale -> Burswood. Pretty much most of the other shops in Armadale are also in Cockburn anyway, and with Perth shops open til 9pm weekdays, it's not like Armadale is more available (the 529 doesn't run that late anyway). The only other time would be on Sundays, but the 529 doesn't run on weekends. The ones that aren't (Harvey Norman, maybe?) would probably require a car to transport the items home, so they wouldn't get the bus anyway.

Armadale area passengers are more likely to use this service. They wouldn't use this service to go to Cockburn shops, as I don't think there's anything at Cockburn that isn't in Armadale. If they were to use this service for shops, they would use it to go to Armadale shops. I don't know if they would use the 529 to go to the city from Cockburn stn, I guess it might be quicker because Cockburn -> Perth is only 5 or so stations at a high speed, whereas Armadale -> Perth is about 13 stops at a slower speed. But the main reason Armadale passengers would use this service would be if they wanted to go to to Murdoch uni, or any area south of Cockburn, such as Mandurah or Rockingham for the day. Using the 529 would make that journey a lot quicker.

So, if you're still reading this, in my opinion, it is clear this service will not provide enough passenger loading to keep it past the 3 month trial. Although the idea of a bus service from Armadale to Cockburn is a good one, and seems ideal having to just go down the one long road, I don't believe the area is ready for it yet. What needs to happen is for more residential areas to be built along Armadale Road, near the middle. This bus route would then provide the transport needed to get them to the city via one of the train lines, as well as a direct link to the shopping centres. Until the residential areas are built, unfortunately there is little need for this bus route.

[Q4004]

I crossed 2 buses on the trip back to Cockburn. After checking the timetable there is a 30 min frequency during peaks and given the loading I experienced can't seeing it lasting unless there is a cut back in service level. However, it was a pleasant drive compared to the hurley burley of the Circle Route and the terrace

Back to reality today...

What bus did you have?

[busdriver12]

1010

[crazyknightsfan]

Sounds like there's a few f*ck ups operating this new route. Attachment is from 'Comment News' (Gosnells), 7/12/10

[busdriver12]

I did mention earlier in the thread that it was suggested that this service was set up to fail and this appears to be bearing out. Although I've only run 2 trips so far I cannot see it surviving with the current loadings which is reflected in the newspaper article.

It's not being given any time to establish itself.

[Mr OC Benz]

Yep... Maybe I'll have to get of my ar*e and do some patronage increasing over the Holidays...

[crazyknightsfan]

It was set up to fail with such a low frequency to begin with and such a short trial period.

I am more worried about the disorganisation/deliberate sabotage (take your pick) by the drivers and others involved in organising stop locations etc. as outlined in the lower article. It is simply not acceptable to have such poor customer service on any bus route, especially a highly publicised trial. Great way to erode the general public's already low confidence in the bus network.

[ADX666]

At least get some shots of buses on it before its too late!

[Mr OC Benz]

I had 1645 on the 529 this arvo... 12 passengers on board from Armadale at 1555 and 10 passengers were left once we arrived at Cockburn Station. Two passengers alighted at Forrestdale.

On Route 340 had about 4-7 people on the two services at 1720 and 1750...

[kp.nuts]

This trial has now been extended until april 17th. In the email they mention that passenger loadings have been well below the target so far, but that this extension will run through the busiest time of the year for transPerth, and that it will be reviewed after the extension. So it looks like they do want this service after all! Or at least need to look like they want it.

[Mr OC Benz]

Well to be honest, patronage average is around five, although can be lower or higher... But it has been improving...

[laptop15]

COMMON SENSE PREVAILS

[ADX666]

Nah, more like they are giving it one last chance, although not actively promoting it!

[laptop15]

Nah, more like they are giving it one last chance, although not actively promoting it!

They have notices all around Cockburn central station, but part from that shopping centre stand was there any other promotion?

[Mr OC Benz]

Armadale Station also....