2014-02-25 Infrastructure & Services Committee Meeting Agenda

INFRASTRUCTURE & SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                25 FEBRUARY 2014


                        Estimated
Month                   Individual
                        Passengers
August 2013             11
September 2013          8
October 2013            7
November 2013           6
December 2013           8
Monthly average         10

Based on analysis of passenger data, it appears that the service is being utilised by a small
number of individuals (average 10 per month). Since the service commenced, data indicates that
of the 775 possible households surveyed 37 separate individuals have booked and used the
service.

4.     Potential reasons for poor performance

It is difficult to identify a specific reason for the poor performance of the service, particularly given
it has received the same level of community consultation and marketing as all other Flexilink trial
services, and offers the same service levels. Reasons may include:

    Insufficient frequency;
    Times do not suit;
    Unsuitable pick-up locations (e.g. too far for residents to walk to meet service);
    Small catchment population;
    Long routes, potentially deemed non-competitive to the private motor vehicle;
    Most residents in this catchment prefer the convenience of their private motor vehicle; and
    Demographic of householders.

From a transport planning perspective, the Flexilink demand responsive service operated by
Suncoast Cabs is a more cost-effective solution compared to operating a bus in this area. Both
transport service options would require subsidy and in a rural setting would never result in a
positive cash flow to the authority underwriting the service. Despite the initial positive indications
from potential customers, the trial service may not be able to meet the needs of customers in this
particular location, and is catering for a small number of residents.

FINANCE & RISK

The service is currently under Contract with Suncoast Cabs, and is funded by the Public
Transport Levy.

Provided a booking is made, Council pays the following agreed service fees to the contractor:

    $38.50 inc (bookings in one direction only)
    $30 inc (bookings in both directions)
    6% administration fee.

If there are no bookings for the service, a vehicle is not dispatched, resulting in no cost to
Council.




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