Personal safety a concern on Perth's public transport

01 December 2009

Personal safety, overcrowding, a lack of parking at train stations and infrequent bus services are some of the top issues that need to be addressed on Perth’s public transport system, according to the latest RAC survey.

The survey, which attracted almost 1,500 respondents, showed that while most people rated the public transport system as good, very good or excellent, there were certain areas that demanded attention.
 
Compared to results of the same RAC survey conducted 18 months ago, personal safety concerns have increased by 50 per cent (from 26 per cent to 39 per cent) on train services and have more than doubled on bus services (from 11 per cent to 29 per cent).

Personal safety was also a significant reason why many people opted not to use public transport, according to the survey.

Overcrowding on trains has improved and is down from 71 per cent to 55 per cent; however it is still rated as the top issue.

Infrequent services remains as the top issue for buses, rating 66 per cent in 2008 and 2009.

RAC spokesperson Adrian Firth said the Public Transport Authority had taken significant steps to address these issues but more needed to be done.

“The PTA and the Government have acknowledged these issues and have directed additional effort and funding to them.

“The survey is telling us these areas should remain the focus of future efforts.”

Mr Firth said Western Australia had the fastest growing population of any State and the future influx of people would place a huge strain on our road and public transport network.

“If we want to tackle congestion then we need to increase the options available to people and that includes creating a public transport system that more people feel they can use.

“We need to make sure that our public transport system is going to be able to meet that increasing demand so it can assist in the reduction of congestion on our roads.”

Overcrowding was highlighted as the top concern on the Joondalup and Midland lines; personal safety was the top concern on the Armadale and Thornlie lines; lack of parking at stations was the top issue on the Mandurah line and infrequent services was the top concern on the Fremantle line.

“The community is telling us that overall they value the public transport system but that there is room for improvement,” Mr Firth said.

Download the release (pdf)