Improving Places and Quality of Life

Improved coastal access with new bus services 
We have introduced new bus services that provide improved transport access to Perth’s northern beaches. New services were introduced between Glendalough train station and Scarborough Beach, between Whitfords train station and Hillarys Boat Harbour and along the coast between Scarborough Beach and Hillarys Boat Harbour.

The new services, launched in September 2002, provide better access to a wide range of shopping, recreational and entertainment opportunities using public transport and also improve the general service between Perth and Scarborough.

The Department also improved service frequency on weekday off-peak services between Perth and Scarborough from a bus every 20 minutes to a bus every 15 minutes, thus reducing passenger waiting times.

Improved access to Hillarys marina 
Over the summer period, the Department improved access to busy Hillarys Boat Harbour. The changes, implemented on a trial basis, improve parking space availability, as well as entry into and exit from the harbour.

The trial included three-hour time limits for car parking on the south side of the boat harbour, developing a southern exit to West Coast Drive to reduce traffic congestion on southern harbour roads, and special access areas for boat penholders. Recommendations from the trial have been forwarded to the Minister for consideration.

A detailed 10-year capital works program for Hillarys Boat Harbour was completed during the year. The program includes new mooring pens, a new southern access into the harbour to improve access, a rearrangement of car parks, improved pathways systems and a new entry statement. A decision on the program is expected in 2003-04 after applying sound commercial principles.

Upgraded St Georges Terrace bus stops 
More bus stands, an easier identification system and better information have improved service for commuters who use bus routes on St Georges Terrace.

The Department improved the flow of buses up and down the Terrace to make public transport more attractive for commuters. Buses now stop in each major city block, providing more boarding and alighting options for passengers.

We also improved bus stand identification, and old-style bus stops were replaced with Transperth "InfoUnits" containing detailed route maps and timetable information.

Upgraded Karratha’s boat ramp 
A safe launching facility for recreational boats in Karratha was completed in April 2003 after a $500,000 upgrade of the town’s Back Beach boat ramp. Boat ownership in Karratha is twice the State’s average, with 1217 registered recreational vessels. Previously, boat owners often faced hazardous conditions launching and retrieving their vessel at the ramp because there was little protection from strong ocean currents and winds.

Introduced a Yellow CAT service for East Perth 
In December 2002, the Department introduced a new Yellow Central Area Transit (CAT) bus service connecting the East Perth residential area and Claisebrook Station directly with the centre of Perth. The new service stops along Wellington Street and integrates with the Red and Blue CAT services, providing efficient public transport connections for the East Perth community and delivering passengers to the central city quickly. The CAT buses remain very popular, with 4.3 million commuters using the service each year.

Improved Kwinana traffic safety 
Traffic flows on Gilmore Avenue, Kwinana were improved by installing kerbside bus lanes. The $800,000 project included the creation of two new kerbside bus lanes, right turning lanes at all intersections and new pedestrian refuges. The new bus lanes provide a better run for Transperth buses and allow commuters to board and disembark from buses in safety.

The project was a joint initiative of the Department for Planning and Infrastructure, the Town of Kwinana and Main Roads WA.

Improved bus security 
The Department introduced more security and tougher enforcement measures to help stamp out anti-social behaviour on Perth's buses, improve safety for bus commuters and encourage more people to use public transport. The new measures include mobile security patrols, a public hotline and a $1000 reward for information leading to prosecution of offenders.

As well as new Passenger Transport Regulations, which permit $50 ‘on the spot’ fines for graffiti, fare evasion and nuisance behaviour, we also introduced new on-bus digital video cameras to help gather evidence against offenders who are threatening or offensive on the buses.