Free Public Transport - It Is Working Around The World!

One thing we do not think about in Western Sydney is whether there is reason to have free pubic transport in our communities.  This can promote less usage of personal vehicles, enhance chances of reaching job interviews, jobs, visit families, friends, shopping complexes, hospitals, police stations and  also  providing more economical access to community groups that people need to visit.

Click here for the World's Free Successful Public Transport Details

Transport Minister Backs Blacktown Free Bus Shuttles - Blacktown City Sun

here is the story from the Blacktown City Sun regarding the new NSW Transport Ministers, Gladys Berejiklian, backing of the Free Bus Shuttles -  please read this story and if you think that there is a need for Free Bus Shuttle  in your shopping hub area contact us,

Minister backs the shuttle bus

02 Aug, 2011 12:00 AM

THE NSW government has pledged to continue to fund the former Labor government's free shuttle bus service in Blacktown, even though some say that too few people use it.

Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian said the government was committed to public transport.

Ms Berejeklian said the government would continue to fund free shuttle bus services for as long as people used them.

She was responding to residents who are concerned with what they say is an under-used bus service that the then transport minister, John Robertson, introduced just before the state election.

Blacktown Healthwise Seniors Centre president Raya Wilkinson welcomed the news that the bus service would stay. Ms Wilkinson said members of the centre were using the bus to go to the hospital, station, Centrelink and shopping centre.

A spokeswoman for NSW Transport said the Blacktown free shuttle bus was carrying about 1400 passengers a week.

She said the total annual funding for the Blacktown, Campbelltown, Liverpool, Cabramatta, Bankstown, Penrith, Gosford, Kogarah, Newcastle and Parramatta shuttles was $3.6 million.

"Individual figures for Blacktown cannot be provided for commercial reasons," she said.

But resident Mary Jones, who wants the service abolished, said she couldn't believe that 1400 people were using the bus every week.

"I often see the buses empty when they pass where I work," she said. "The money saved could be used for better things."

Have a look at a blog that shows you some patronage figures from  Blacktown Free Shuttle Bus - it is available to the public - it is not a big secret as I found out!



Click here:http://mountdruittcommuters.blogspot.com/2011/07/shhhhhhh-we-know-about-blacktown-free.html

Bright Signs For Free Bus Shuttle Buses - Great Concept!

Free travel to see the Parramatta Eels against the Storm - these signs could be used to advertise other local Sydney and Greater Western Sydney Bus Shuttles, as follows;

Seniors welcome free travel in South Australia

National Seniors welcomes the South Australian government’s decision to offer free bus, tram and train travel to Seniors Card holders as of 1 July 2009. All Seniors Card holders will be able to travel free during 9.30am to 3pm on weekdays, all weekend and on public holidays.

National Seniors CEO Michael O’Neill said it was great news for the seniors of South Australia. “This is a great move by the Government to allow free transport to seniors and we think it’s something all State Governments should introduce,’’ he said. “The WA State Government also recently implemented a similar plan to offer free transport to WA seniors in off-peak periods so it looks like it’s gathering pace around the country.’’

O’Neill said the decision would help seniors to save money and also had environmental benefits. “It’s no secret that seniors are struggling under cost of living increases so depending on how much they travel, it could really help bring down their overall costs,’’ he said. “It will also attract more people to travel on public transport rather than in their cars, meaning fewer cars on the road which is good for the environment.’’

The move is expected to benefit around 275,000 Seniors Card holders at a cost of $10 million to the Government. Michael O’Neill is available for comment on 0448 125 898.

What are your thoughts on free travel? Maybe the NSW government might like to think about what our neighbors are doing in South Australia.