Bus data: Public Transport Victoria under pressure to release figures

Detailed statistics are available on how Melbourne’s tram and train services are performing, but bus network data is not released. The Public Transport Users Association wants that to change. Here’s why.

The State Government is coming under pressure to release bus performance figures.

The Public Transport Users Association has called on the State Government to release bus operator performance data in a bid to fix problems with the network.

Public Transport Victoria last week released statistics detailing the reliability of trains and trams but no such data is available for Melbourne’s buses.

There are 32 privately-owned bus companies operating routes under State Government contracts.

Transdev operates services in Manningham, the only municipality in Melbourne that doesn’t have trams or a train line.

Public Transport Users Association spokesman Daniel Bowen said monitoring bus company’s performances would help lead to improved services.

“There is now real-time bus arrival tracking available on all Melbourne bus routes, so there is no reason this information can’t be collated and reported by the government each month, as with the trains and trams,” he said.

“This would also enable the possible introduction of compensation for passengers for poor bus route performance, which train and tram users can claim.”

Mr Bowen said the move would also help councils improve bus services.

“Better bus performance information would also help local councils prioritise local road improvements to provide priority for buses which might help cut delays and improve travel times,” he said.

Bulleen bus user Beryl White told the Manningham Leader she was “wondering what they’re trying to hide”.

“A while back I had three consecutive buses pass my stop in Thompsons Rd without stopping. They all had ‘express’ posted on the front but the timetable for that route doesn’t show any express services,” she said.

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Doncaster commuter Mary Spencer said users deserved to know if the service was meeting their expectations.

“Commuters have every right for this information to be transparent,” she said.

“By not providing this information, both the State Government and operators are covering up the performance figures — the question is why?”

Public Transport Victoria declined to comment.

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