The Shire of Murray’s Community Bus Service Trial will make its final rounds on Saturday July 8 following the Council’s resolution to discontinue the service.
At its Ordinary Council Meeting in May, the Shire Council reviewed the results of the six month trial evaluation which revealed consistently low usage.
During the first six months of the nine-month trial, a total of 266 passengers had used the service which equated to an average of 3.75 patrons per day.
Community feedback received as part of the evaluation indicated that the number of pickup locations, one per Shire locality, did not suit user requirements as the distance to the locations especially for older residents, was difficult to overcome.
It further indicated a demand for a regular, multiple route per day service with several stops in each locality.
Shire president Maree Reid said she believed it was clear from the results the current community bus service provided as part of the trial was not a cost-effective means of providing community transport.
“The provision of a more extensive service would be better suited, but is beyond reach of the Shire’s current financial strategy.
“Discussions around the extension of State Government services will produce the outcome most aligned with community need,” Ms Reid said.
The Community Bus Service Trial started in October 2016 following requests from the community for increased transport options throughout the Shire.
Council initiated the service to assess whether the perceived demand matched actual demand prior to making a long term financial commitment and conducted the trial through a bus hire company.
The Shire undertook targeted community consultation within each locality to inform the development of the bus timetable and pickup and drop-off locations.
The trial included the provision of a weekend service to Mandurah from all Shire localities, with a service to Pinjarra two days per week from townsites where no existing Transperth services were in place.