Public Transport - have your say.
The RAC has long represented its members in the area of motoring but with the population of Perth growing at record rates, having a viable public transport system is essential for the long-term growth of the city.
The RAC held its second public transport survey in 2009 to gauge opinions and attitudes towards Perth’s public transport system. We wanted to know what worked, what didn't, how it could be improved and identify the black spots where people didn’t have access to public transport.
Building on the 2008 survey results, we were be able to see what changes had been made since the previous survey.
In 2009 the RAC, in conjunction with our partner the Community Newspaper Group, conducted a survey of Western Australians to see how they rate our public transport system.
With almost 1,500 respondents completing the survey we found that:
- 49% of those surveyed thought that overall the public transport system was excellent or very good.
- 47% of respondents used public transport on a regular basis.
- Overall, 65% of bus users said they had difficulties or concerns with the service.
- The biggest concerns for bus users were:
- Service is not frequent enough - 66% (66% in 2008).
- Poor connections – 47%.
- Personal safety – 29% (11% in 2008).
- Overcrowding – 25% (35% in 2008).
- Service is not reliable – 20% (41% in 2008).
- 32% of bus users rate the system as better than the same time 18 months ago; 13% say it's worse.
- Overall, 59% of train users said they had difficulties or concerns with the service.
- The biggest concerns for train users were:
- Overcrowding – 55% (71% in 2008).
- Lack of parking at train stations – 46% (47% in 2008).
- Personal safety – 39% (26% in 2008).
- Poor connections – 28%.
- Service is not frequent enough – 23% (31% in 2008).
- 34% of train users rate the system as better than 18 months ago; 13% say it's worse.
In 2008 in conjunction with our partners, the Community Newspaper Group and Channel 7, the RAC conducted a survey of our members to see how they rate our public transport system.
With over 1500 respondents completing the survey we found that:
- 47% of those surveyed thought that overall the public transport system was excellent or good.
- 55% of respondents used public transport daily or on most days and overwhelmingly for work purposes.
- Of the 77% of bus users who cited difficulties or concerns on the bus, the biggest concern was the frequency of buses followed by poor connections, reliability, overcrowding and conditions on the bus.
- Overall, 68% of train users said they had difficulties or concerns with their most frequented train service. The most cited difficulty was overcrowding on trains, followed by lack of parking, service not frequent enough, personal safety concerns and service being unreliable.
Using these results we have recommended to government that:
- More trains be obtained to alleviate congestion.
- Bus routes be examined to ensure peak efficiency especially with connections to train services.
- Parking upgrades planned for selected stations on the Armadale and Joondalup lines be completed.
- Car parking allocation and the efficiency of buses feeding into the Mandurah line be investigated and changes implemented.
- That a security and safety audit of all train lines is conducted, especially with regard to the Armadale and Midland lines.
Download the 2008 public transport report:
RAC Public Transport Survey Report (PDF)
Safety
Your safety is important when travelling on public transport. The level of security on trains and buses has advanced over the years, but if you're someone who regularly walks home from a station or bus stop in the dark, you may disagree.
Based on the results of this survey, the RAC will work with the Public Transport Authority to increase passive crime prevention techniques, such as better lighting on platforms and around car parks. We will also work with local governments to improve perceived safety around train stations and bus interchanges.
More information on public transport safety.
Travelsmart
Travelsmart is a very successful WA programme which is designed to encourage motorists to find alternative forms of transport. This could mean walking, cycling and catching public transport. Through partnerships with local governments, information is provided to Perth households on ways in which they can Travelsmart. There is also a workplace initiative to encourage businesses to get their staff involved.
More information on how you can Travelsmart in your area.
Transperth
Transperth is the provider of public transport in Perth and has all the information you need to catch buses, trains and ferries around Perth. It includes timetables and even has a journey planner which provides specific details on how to get from A to B.
For more information visit Transperth.
Why is the RAC advocating public transport?
For over 100 years the RAC has represented the WA motoring community. As WA's leading member organisation we are dedicated to serving all the interests of our members, and many of our members choose to use public transport either occasionally or exclusively. Our members' children also use public transport to commute to and from school. Ensuring an efficient and safe public transport system for all, is vital. Public transport is also an effective way to alleviate congestion on our roads and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
What will the RAC do with the survey information?
All RAC surveys are confidential and conducted in accordance with Australian Market and Social Research Society (AMSRS) Code of Professional Behaviour. As well as being published for the public's interest, the results will enable the RAC to better represent its members by advising relevant government agencies of improvements that could be made, based on your feedback.
What happens after the RAC presents the report? Is that it?
No. The RAC will continue to pursue relevant government agencies to ensure that deficiencies are readily fixed. We will continue to provide feedback to our members on how we are progessing.