Thought of the day

Balaclava Station did not get funding in the state budget for an upgrade, but what it has got is the person who posts a 'thought of the day' at the station each day. Today's was not the 'thought' that most appealed to me, but I love that it happens at all.

The role of buses in the future of Melbourne

Chris Loader
Bus Association of Victoria

• mode shift is happening
• buses are growing by 14%
• car traffic is stagnating
• 80% of Melburnians only have access to buses
• most vulnerable Melburnians have the least service
• SMARTBUS is being successful in increasing patronage with 15 minute frequencies. Patronage has doubled
• has significant congestion benefits
• growth in full fare patrons
• one bus costs about $400,000 to get into service

To read one of Chris's presentations go to Bus Association of Victoria at

http://www/busvic.asn.au/database/files/CLoader-EmissionsReductions.pdf

6 May 2009

Green Transport Breakfast

Rob Freemantle
VicRoads

• each person makes about 4 trips per day
• that is 14m trips per day across metro Melbourne
• add population growth - each person making 4 trips per day
• have to make best use of the existing network
• creating employment close to where people lives reduces the need for travel
• we will still need roads, but need to put them to the best use
• that is why we need network operating plans
• some roads will be managed with the whole network and economy at the forefront, others will be local roads responding to local needs
• Freight Futures optimises some routes - Principal Freight Network
• Higher Productivity Vehicles which carry 2 x 40 foot containers reduce truck movements by a third
• carpooling can make an enormous contribution especially at the peak Current car occupancy is 1.08
• cycling has grown 20% p/a over the past 4 years
• 40% of trips are 2 kms or less

Integrated Land Use and Urban Planning

Significant development applications must be referred to the Director of Public Transport. The guidelines are at



http://www.transport.vic.gov.au/doi/internet/transport.nsf/AllDocs/D32392B7AC935635CA25731B000AFB7D?OpenDocument

Chris Loader
Bus Association of Victoria

• 'behaviour change can happen now!'
• 'road dieting'
• increasing fuel efficiency in vehicles doesn't deal with congestion
• increase fuel efficiency and people drive more
• transport is not about cars, trains. Its about mobility and accessibility
• increase car occupancy
• 2 kms is highly walkable

Sustainable Living Festival

21/02/2009