NSW Opposition Leader Peter Debnam and Shadow Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian today announced a pilot programme of bus ‘Smart Stops’ to improve communication with public transport commuters. 

“One of the common complaints about public transport is the lack of information. I will move to fix that communication breakdown,” Mr Debnam said.

“There is nothing more frustrating than waiting at the bus stop and having no idea when the next bus will arrive or where it will be going,” he said.

“Today the NSW Liberal/Nationals announce $3 million to set up a pilot programme to provide real-time information for commuters at up to 500 bus stops across Sydney.

“This will give commuters the chance to see in real-time when the next bus is due to arrive, estimated travel time, route numbers and destination,” he said.

Ms Berejiklian said real-time information would help attract bus commuters back to the public transport system. Last year 123,000 commuters abandoned Sydney Buses and jumped in their cars.

“The trial will be an extension of the Public Transport Information and Priority System that uses GPS and satellite technology to identify late running buses. The prototype system technology has been introduced into at least three existing bus corridors – Miranda-Hurstville, Liverpool-Bankstown, and the Northern Beaches.

“We will extend this technology by installing new ‘Smart Stops’ in up to 500 bus stops in these three bus corridors so the information gets through to passengers.

“This is about providing as much information to passengers as possible. Labor has failed on the issue of communication with public transport passengers.

“After 12 years, Labor’s had long enough. Let’s fix NSW. Commuters expect a safe, clean and reliable public transport system and part of that is communication.