Gallop Government boosts bus services for Port Hedland
11/12/04
Port Hedland's community dialogue is already bearing fruit with the Gallop Government providing a major upgrade of bus services in and around Port Hedland.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan today announced that new services were expected to start on Tuesday, January 4, 2005.
Ms MacTiernan said Central Kimberley-Pilbara Labor candidate Tom Stephens had consistently raised the cause of better local public transport for Port Hedland.
The need to improve public transport was confirmed as a key issue by the Government's Enquiry by Design workshop held in the town earlier this year.
"Improving public transport in regional areas is part of the Gallop Government's plan to build stronger communities," the Minister said.
"The new trial service will vastly improve the ability of residents to travel around Hedland and surrounding areas."
After reviewing the current service, the Public Transport Authority and its contractor, Hedland Bus Lines, have developed a trial model aimed at:
- improving the frequency of the bus service between Port and South Hedland;
- improving the travel opportunities internally around South Hedland;
- improving the co-ordination of the Port Hedland to South Hedland services with the South Hedland 101 and 201 routes;
- introducing a Saturday service;
- andsimplifying the services.
The review will introduce a new circular bus service for South Hedland, consisting of two bus routes.
Route 301 will operate clockwise from the South Hedland terminus (opposite the South Hedland Shopping Centre), and Route 401 anti-clockwise over the same route. The existing Route 501 will be altered slightly through South Hedland and will run more frequently.
The new routes will require 42 new bus stops, and the PTA will be seeking the local council's assistance in installing them.
The upgrade will double services between Port and South Hedland, and improve access to shopping and community facilities in both locations. These include:
- three major shopping centres;
- an aquatic centre;
- a community health centre;
South Hedland Sports Complex;
- Pundulmurra Aboriginal College;
- the agricultural school; and
- the real estate office in South Hedland, where many people pay their rent.
The upgraded services will operate for three months on a trial basis, after which the arrangements will be reviewed.
As a general yardstick, it is intended that the improved level of services will be maintained where they have achieved an average of six passengers per trip.