Plan to save the rush for workers on public transport

[Barry Drive]

From The Daily Telegraph:

NON-WORKERS using public transport should have access to concession fares only if they travel outside peak hours, a university researcher said.

Sydney's public transport system is so overcrowded during peak periods that, to ease congestion, people travelling to work should be given a priority, according to Professor Corinne Mulley, from the University of Sydney.

The idea comes as the state government yesterday said it would not abolish timetables after a radical proposal to reduce congestion and waiting times was raised earlier this week by industry lobby group Tourism Transport Forum.

Commuters can buy concession tickets on all train, bus and ferry services without time restrictions, Professor Mulley said.

"We should be clear about why non-workers' concessions are offered and the impact this might have on public transport system usage," she said.

"One argument for public transport non-workers' concessions is to offer a cheaper price to those who might not otherwise travel.

"This 'elasticity of demand' argument is best served by restricting non-workers' concession fares to off-peak times to even out demand over the day and allowing concession holders to travel when demand for buses, trains and ferries isn't at its peak, when others are commuting."

She said allowing non-workers' concession fares on public transport at all times meant they competed for seats with those paying a higher price.

She said overseas countries had adopted the practice, with free local bus travel for older people in the UK restricted to after 9.30am.

And in Singapore, concessions for older people are more restrictive, with no travel in either the morning or evening weekday peaks.

Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian yesterday said the government was restructuring major agencies to ensure greater focus on customer service.

So, good idea or not? Should ACTION do something like this? Vote at the latest ACT Bus Poll. (www.actbus.net)