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Bass Coast Shire Council advocates funding to improve Responsive Transport network to reduce car reliance

Together with partners, the Department of Transport and Destination Phillip Island, we have undertaken a study into an innovative Demand Responsive Transport network - starting with Phillip Island and San Remo.

By news@gippsland - 17th November 2022 - Back to News

Transport is the second biggest carbon polluter in Victoria, responsible for 25% of greenhouse gases. Costs are also rocketing. Nationwide, we spend an average of $379.90 a week on transport, according to the AAA's Transport Affordability Index - 15.2% of the average income. This includes over $100 on fuel. Securing alternatives to fossil-fuel powered transport is urgent.

Bass Coast Shire Council is seeking a review of the Responsive Transport network of service levels, accessible infrastructure and connectivity of the public transport network within Bass Coast

Driving for change

At Bass Coast we're also warmly welcoming back hundreds of thousands of tourists. But, while we're highly grateful that Aussies continue to holiday at home, visitor traffic surges put further pressure on our roads and exacerbating congestion in our town centres. Our limited public transport system is unfit also - reinforcing disadvantage, social isolation and reducing accessibility. Yet, council is passionately advocating for and driving change.

Demand responsive transport

No fixed routes, no timetables. Instead on-demand public transport operates when requested. Like an Uber for mini-buses, users hail the service via a smartphone app or at bus stops, then routing algorithms calculate the most efficient pick-ups and drop-offs.

Agile, more direct, and often door-to-door, the on-demand experience improves mobility and increases tourist participation. It also speeds up decarbonisation by replacing private car journeys while linking users to existing networks.

Our plan for a three-year pilot would see responsive buses operate across Phillip Island and San Remo 7 days a week, until 11pm during peak periods and 9pm off peak. Fully integrated with existing public transport services, it will also allow longer journeys into the broader region.

All round winner

On-demand transport benefits the community, commuters, visitors and business. It's faster, more convenient, and customisable to tourism peaks. Social disadvantage will be reduced by enhancing options for those who do not drive - increasing access to employment, medical services, shopping and socialising.

The economy will also benefit. Up to 49 additional commuters and 85 additional trips would be attracted into town a day. It will unlock workforce cohorts that are disadvantaged by our current transport system, which is over-reliant on the use of private vehicles.

Towards net zero

It's also non-polluting. With a fully electric fleet, our current plan avoids up to 372 tonnes of carbon emissions compared to diesel buses. Fuel will also cost 80% less. Locals also really want EV buses, to embody our strong culture of sustainability. Trialling on-demand EV buses in regional Victoria will be a first too.

The number of vehicles on the road will also be drastically reduced: up to 223 trips a day are expected during peak periods, 178 off-peak. This is just the start. If the Phillip Island and San Remo pilot is a success, we'll seek to roll the program out Bass Coast wide.

State government support

The benefits of on-demand transport are exponential. Yet council can't do this alone. We're thankful to the Victorian government for $50,000 of funding towards the pilot's Service Design and Implementation Plan. But to viably implement this robust proposal we need much further financial assistance.

Annual operating costs are estimated at $1million. Electric buses will total $1.6 million. With an inclusive 50% operating cost contingency, the three-year trial is anticipated to cost $6.25 million. While this seems high, the positive impacts to local business, community inclusion and our environment are priceless. State investment in the service today will be multiplied many times over.

Proven a success

The concept is already working state-wide. FlexiRide currently runs in Croydon, Lilydale, Melton South, Mooroolbark, Rosebud, Rowville, Tarneit North and Woodend. The low fare, cashless service operates only when passengers book via a smartphone app or their nearest bus stop, between designated hubs in the same service area. It makes sense for Bass Coast to join this revolution.

Tourism to thrive

Tourism will be our biggest winner. With 1.2 million day-trippers and 832,000 overnight guests (who stay 3.4 nights) visiting Phillip Island in 2021 alone, on-demand public transport is a convenient, easy solution. Particularly for overnight visitors - completely unserved by current public transport - the service is an obvious opportunity. Destination Phillip Island has been a fantastic support driving this initiative, from the first study continued with further backing for the implementation plan.

"We have been excited that the project for responsive transport has continued since Destination Phillip Island sponsored the first report with the Department of Transport and Bass Coast Shire Council. We know that the opportunity to visit a destination and not use your vehicle, or arrive on public transport, is an option that many visitors would like to have. The investment in this project would be of great benefit to our region." Kim Storey, General Manager Destination Phillip Island.

Conservative estimates predict tourists will make almost 100 trips a day on the service. Reality will likely far exceed this, especially given the area's vibrant nightlife plus Penguin Parade. Freed from the need to drive, tourists can go out and spend much more locally.

From plan to action

Now the pilot plan is done, next steps are to review then establish evaluation parameters. But firstly, and most importantly, we must secure funding. This election I urge all parties to commit to this exciting project so we can move forward - to reduce our car reliance problem and reconnect Bass Coast.

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Marlo's Healeys road timber bridge to be replaced with stronger steel structure built for 100 years
  East Gippsland Shire Council will replace Marlo’s ageing Healeys Road timber bridge with a $642,780 steel structure, improving safety, access, load capacity and long-term reliability for local users.
• South Gippsland residents invited to shape future heritage precincts across four townships through community consultation
  South Gippsland Shire Council is inviting residents across Loch, Fish Creek, Toora and Korumburra to help shape and protect their townships' unique heritage character.
• Latrobe City endorses draft Moe Activity Centre Plan to guide future town centre growth and development
  Latrobe City Council endorsed the draft Moe Activity Centre Plan for public exhibition, outlining long-term CBD growth, planning reforms, improved public spaces and transport, with Planning Scheme Amendment C155 exhibition proposed for late 2026.
• Gippsland Water's people's panel brings 50 customers together to help shape future plans and pricing priorities for the region
  Gippsland Water's People's Panel has brought together 50 randomly selected customers to help shape future plans and make recommendations influencing the corporation's 2028-33 Price Submission.
• Coal Creek Sunday Sessions bring local musicians together for two afternoons of live music and family-friendly entertainment in November 2026
  Coal Creek’s Sunday Sessions will feature local soloists, duos and musical groups across two family-friendly afternoons of live music on November 15 and 29.
• The Nationals pledge weekly rubbish collection for Gippsland households to ease costs and improve waste services
  The Nationals have pledged weekly general rubbish collections across Gippsland, promising to review landfill levies and waste charges to reduce costs and ease pressure on families.