New bus service between Murdoch and Armadale stations

Transport Minister Troy Buswell today announced a number of changes for bus operations in the south-east quadrant of the metropolitan area, including a new bus service between the Murdoch and Armadale stations.

The new service, to start on May 9, will replace route 529 between Armadale and Cockburn Central Station, which was given a six months trial.

“The new service is being introduced in response to community and passenger requests, and reflects the growing range of destinations developing around Murdoch, as well as the benefits of connecting the two (Armadale and Mandurah) railway lines,” Mr Buswell said.

“We understand there will be disappointment among those who did use route 529. However, while the trial was given as much support as possible, including extensive public consultation and promotion, widespread local media coverage and an extension from three months to six months, it did not attract the necessary patronage.”

The route 529 trial required patronage figures of 31 in the morning peak, 23 in the evening peak and 21 off-peak to warrant permanent operation. Throughout the busiest month of March, it averaged only seven, six and four respectively.

“Bus services require a substantial State subsidy, so we must utilise them in areas where experience and expertise indicate they’ll provide greatest benefit to the wider community and where the route represents logical and efficient operation,” the Minister said.

To allow enough time for changes to be implemented, 529 will finish on May 6, with the new service starting on May 9.
 

• The existing Monday-Saturday Route 519 will be amended to serve new areas in Forrestdale with selected trips extending to Armadale Station. This will serve new communities along Nicholson Road by providing a connection between Murdoch and Armadale at a 30-minute frequency (60 minutes in the off-peak)
• A new service (518) will start between Piara Waters, Harrisdale and Murdoch Station. This route will operate Monday to Saturday (co-ordinated with the 517, which also operates on Sundays).