New buses for Yellow CAT route
26/2/04
New Mercedes buses will be allocated to the Yellow CAT route through East Perth to address noise concerns expressed by some local residents.
Announcing the change today, Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the Mercedes buses were much quieter than their Scania counterparts, which make up most of the CAT fleet.
"The existing Yellow CAT route and frequency will be maintained, but I have instructed that the Scanias be replaced by the new Mercedes," Ms MacTiernan said.
The change followed a review of the first 12 months' operation of the Yellow CAT, undertaken at the request of local MLA John Hyde.
One of the key reasons behind the review was to assess whether the Yellow CAT was providing an adequate level of service for East Perth residents.
When it was introduced, some residents were concerned that the frequency of the service (10 minutes in the morning peak and 15 minutes for the rest of the day) was a significant scaling back from the higher frequency Red CAT service.
The review showed that the Yellow CAT was well patronised.
"The bus stops adjacent to Victoria Gardens are used by almost 200 people a day," Mr Hyde said.
"In relative terms, this means they are as busy as many stops on the more established Red and Blue CAT routes, which have been building patronage since 1996.
"Some Royal Street and Trafalgar Road residents, while supporting the idea of a Yellow CAT, prefer an alternative route such as Plain Street; other residents of those streets and a big proportion of the wider East Perth residential and business community support retention of the existing route, while the noise of the buses is another common concern.
"Today's announcement by the Minister is a good compromise."
Ms MacTiernan said it was important to have an effective, popular and well-patronised transit system in the area.
"Public transport is a key component of these revitalised urban renewal areas," she said.
"Many East Perth residents are strong supporters of public transport and the CAT system.
"The new quiet bus is a way of resolving conflicting views in the community."