On demand public transport trial with Keolis Downer at Macquarie Park
PEOPLE at Macquarie Park will be among the first to trial “on demand” public transport — allowing them to book buses to take them from home to a key centre or transport hub and back again.
Northern District Times
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PEOPLE at Macquarie Park will be among the first to trial “on demand” public transport — allowing them to book buses to take them from home to a key centre or transport hub and back again.
Transport Minister Andrew Constance announced trials at eight regions across the state, which will target workers within 15km of popular centres.
Single fares will range from $2.60 to $5.60.
North Ryde-based transport operator Keolis Downer will provide the Macquarie Park service on weekdays from 6am to 9am, 3pm to 6pm.
Customers will be able to book by phone or online up to 30 minutes before a trip.
They will then receive confirmation, with details of their pick-up and drop-off locations and times.
Mr Constance said: “This trial is just the start of our transport future in NSW.
“Imagine not having to check a timetable because you know your service will be there when and where you need it.”
While the service aims to pick-up customers from their homes, the collection point may sometimes be a nearby location, according to a spokeswoman.
Passengers will have the choice of departing the bus at strategic centres such as Macquarie University, or transport hubs.
Customers will pay with credit cards while booking, rather than the Opal card.
The private operators’ computer systems have not been linked to the government’s Opal network for the trial.
Customers will book through Kelios Downer websites and systems rather than the government’s, when bookings open later this year.
The service is due to begin early next year. Keolis Downer will use a fleet of 25-seat and 12-seat buses for the service.
Transport for NSW said the trials would not affect other bus services.
The other trials will be at Bankstown, the Central Coast, Edmondson Park, Manly and the northern beaches, the eastern suburbs, Sutherland, Wetherill Park and Greystanes.
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