Latest numbers show bus patronage has fallen in parts of Canberra

2019-12-05

The latest public transport patronage data obtained by the Greens from Questions on Notice shows that bus use is falling in Woden, Belconnen and Tuggeranong.

ACT Greens Transport spokesperson Caroline Le Couteur says new Transport Canberra patronage data confirms that while Network 19 has seen many commuters enjoy improved services, there are parts of Canberra that are worse off.

From the data:

  • Overall public transport patronage is up by 6% from the September quarter 2018 to the September quarter 2019.
  • Patronage from some parts of Canberra, including Weston Creek and Gungahlin, is much higher. However, patronage from the Woden Valley, Belconnen and Tuggeranong has fallen.
  • Most fare types are seeing more patronage, including full fare, school students and concessions.  However tertiary student patronage is down

“After 6 months of seeing how Network 19 works for passengers, the Government needs to fix the identified problems while keeping the gains,” Ms Le Couteur said.

“Scrapping Network 19 is not the answer because areas like Weston Creek have really benefitted.  Instead, it is time to make changes that improve services for people in the Woden Valley, Belconnen and Tuggeranong.”

During the recent sitting week, Ms Le Couteur successfully moved a Motion Amendment to force the Government to report more detailed data on patronage in Woden Valley, Belconnen and Tuggeranong and improve patronage from these areas.

“I believe that the Government needs to look more closely at why patronage from Woden Valley, Belconnen and Tuggeranong is lower and take steps to fix the problems.” Ms Le Couteur said.

Patronage Data:

MYWAY ONLY:

Daily average number of journeys, bus and light rail

Major districts

1 July to 30 September 2018

1 July to 30 September 2019

Percentage change

Central Canberra

16,393

18,438

12%

Belconnen

8,727

8,393

-4%

Gungahlin

4,793

6,168

29%

Tuggeranong

4,286

4,180

-2%

Woden Valley

4,208

4,009

-5%

Weston Creek

956

1,066

12%

Molonglo Valley

242

302

25%

NOTES:

  • District data is not available for paper ticket journeys
  • Data is for the district where the journey started
  • Most people make at least 2 journeys a day.  A daily commute will usually be recorded twice, a morning journey in the home district, and an afternoon journey in the place of employment/study
  • Minor districts have been removed for clarity

 

MYWAY AND PAPER TICKETS:

Daily average number of journeys, bus and light rail

Ticket categories

1 July to 30 September 2018

1 July to 30 September 2019

Percentage change

Full fare

16,642

19,279

16%

School student

10,182

10,356

2%

Tertiary student

8,713

8,554

-2%

Concession

7,675

7,795

2%

Other

100

118

18%

Total

43,312

46,102

6%

 

Statement ends