When I posted some thoughts to my LJ on free public transport a few days ago, a friend raised the issue of infrastructure and said its lack is holding-back patronage. I agree that that is the case and think more needs to be done, but also think removing the cost of tickets will encourage more people to use public transport and make the system more efficient (ie: ditch the expensive associated gumf like ticket-machines and ticket-inspectors and hire some conductors/security staff). In other words, the two needn't be mutually exclusive, as implied here: http://www.ptua.org.au/myths/free.shtml
We need both -- free trains/trams/busses and improvements to the range (more routes) and frequency of service.
It's a crying shame that there's still no train-line to Rowville. The same is true of the extension to the recent tram-line down the Burwood Highway. It stopped at Vermont South (they started building it outside where I used to work a couple of years ago) when it should keep going to Knox.
On a positive note, it looks like the government is taking the SmartBus seriously and is investing millions in it. They're going as far as crediting the SmartBus with the need for road-widening and changing traffic signals/traffic-flow in the City of Monash. Interestingly, they're taking an integrated approach and including dedicated bicycling paths (about time!) [info at VicRoads]
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In other words, the two needn't be mutually exclusive, as implied here: http://www.ptua.org.au/myths/free.shtml
We need both -- free trains/trams/busses and improvements to the range (more routes) and frequency of service.
It's a crying shame that there's still no train-line to Rowville. The same is true of the extension to the recent tram-line down the Burwood Highway. It stopped at Vermont South (they started building it outside where I used to work a couple of years ago) when it should keep going to Knox.
On a positive note, it looks like the government is taking the SmartBus seriously and is investing millions in it. They're going as far as crediting the SmartBus with the need for road-widening and changing traffic signals/traffic-flow in the City of Monash. Interestingly, they're taking an integrated approach and including dedicated bicycling paths (about time!) [info at VicRoads]