‘Dial-a-bus’ plan study

Press, 10 April 1979, Page 7

‘Dial-a-bus’ plan study

A “dial-a-bus” scheme for suburbs that cannot support regular bus services has been examined by the Ministry of Transport

The Ministry’s study showed that a “dial-a-bus” system would use fewer vehicles and cause fewer unnecessary trips than a regular bus service. It would cost more to run per kilometre than a regular system, but over all, in times of low demand and in certain areas, it would be less expensive than regular services.

These conclusions were presented to delegates at the annual conference of the Australian and New Zealand Road Transport Authorities. which was held in Christchurch last week.

The study will examine a variety of transport options,

including van pools and “jitneys” (low-fare buses). Experiments will be established to test some of these options. A variation of the “dial-a-bus” scheme has already been proposed to the Whangarei City Council. The local taxi company has lost customers, and has asked the council if taxis can substitute for buses in some areas.

If the proposal is accepted, unfilled taxis would service areas that are normally served by buses in off-peak times.

The experience of Victoria, which has experimented with two “dial-a-bus” schemes, was also presented to delegates at the conference. * Many more passengers used the “dial-a-bus” service

in the two areas chosen than would have used a regular bus service, the delegates were told.

Housewives and retired persons made most use of the door-to-door system. A higher subsidy was needed per passenger to allow the system to work, but passenger numbers were higher than on regular, subsidised services.