Adelaide bus drivers who don’t stop in the city will be counselled, department says
It’s the question every bus traveller asks – why does the driver stop at bus stops even when there is no one to pick up or set down? We found the answer.
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Adelaide bus drivers will be counselled if they fail to stop at every designated bus stop within the city limits under a directive from the state’s transport department.
Frustrated public transport customers have complained that, even when running late, drivers will stop in the city when there are no customers to pick up or customers to set down.
But the Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure says it has issued the directive that all drivers must stop at all designated stops to ensure passenger don’t miss their bus.
“All stops for a given bus route located in the CBD are compulsory stops, so drivers are required to stop at each one when in the city,” a spokesman said.
“If a driver does not stop and we get a complaint, then they are counselled and reminded of this requirement.”
DPTI said the directive is only applied in the city, where “foot traffic is highest” and buses often line up before pulling into a stop.
“It may not always be obvious to the passenger that their bus is approaching and they need to hail it,” the spokesman said.
“And it may not be obvious to the bus driver that a passenger is waiting for that particular service.”
The directive means that drivers on an average journey through the City, defined as within the boundary of East, West, South and North Tces, must stop a minimum of 10 times.
The 172 bus from Payneham to Kingswood has 13 designated stops through the city. There are three on Nth Tce, two in King William St, four in Wakefield St and four in Hutt St.
Having to pull in to the side of the road and then pull back in to traffic can take at least one minute during peak hour – even with no passengers to pick up.
The problem is exacerbated when road works are in operation. There were significant increased time delays during the tram extension to the east end of North Tce.
DPTI said passenger behaviour at bus stops was another reason for the directive.
“It may not be obvious that someone is waiting at a stop if they are not waiting at the bus stop pole,” the spokesman said.
“Some people may be waiting under building canopies or sitting at seats, which is why bus drivers are asked to stop at every stop just to be sure.”
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