Wednesday 14 May 2008

Three Cheers for Perth Transit

Here's a good news story :-)

Over the early part of the year I took the train and bus to the city quite a few times. Watching how the system worked, and listening to commuters, drivers and others, I noticed a few things that could be improved at the Convention Centre car park, the train station and Busport, and wrote to the PTA.

This week they've notified me that all the issues have been addressed. I am really impressed with their responsiveness.

The points, and PTA's actions are:

  • Dim lighting in the parking area and bus port- ACTION: Brightened the platforms up by replacing all the yellow gas- filled lights with the new white lights and addressing the colour of the facility. It is much better now.
  • Hard to see the monitor screens displaying bus times- ACTION: The TV monitors are being upgraded.
  • Difficult for pedestrians to see where to go to access the bus port- ACTION: Signs are being erected, advising passengers of the pedestrian areas.
  • Signs are pointing to the wrong places- ACTION: Signage overhaul at the Esplanade Busport, signs pointing in the wrong direction will be removed, and new signs installed. This will be taking place progressively over the next two months.
  • Info centre staff are good but queues are long- ACTION: New staff members are currently being trained to assist at the InfoCentre
  • Car entering the bus area, creating a hazard- ACTION: Addressing the issue of vehicles entering the station unauthorized, and where required infringement notices are being issued.

It is really good to see how many people are using the public transport. this sort of responsiveness from the PTA makes it even easier to use the facility. Our public transport in Perth is very good, and getting better.