INTRODUCING 

 

 

Melbourne's bus services are being tailored for the twenty-first century with a program that strengthens the role of buses in our public transport system.

The Department of Infrastructure - in conjunction with VicRoads, the cities of Greater Dandenong, Monash and Whitehorse, and bus operators Ventura and Grenda's - is developing Victoria's first SmartBus service.

 

When will the service begin?

Services as part of the SmartBus trial program will commence on August 5, 2002.

 

What is SmartBus?

SmartBus is an innovative high-tech concept that marks a new era in bus travel in Melbourne. The service will provide a "cross-town" bus service using arterial roads in Melbourne's south-eastern suburbs to ensure a reliable and efficient service for all users.

It provides important connections between railway stations, shopping centres and other civic resources.

 

It is a major milestone in the Bracks Government's program to improve bus services across Melbourne and deliver effective public transport solutions in the Scoresby Integrated Transport Corridor. It is part of the overall $3.5 billion initiative called Linking Victoria.

Additional services include more buses at nights and weekend to reflect retail trading hours, and better services on public holidays, and increased frequency of regular services.

As part of Linking Victoria - the State Government's plan for revitalising our transport network - SmartBus will help deliver a more integrated transport system that works for the community.

 

Where to find SmartBus?

SmartBus is being run as a trial program along routes 888 and 889 on Springvale Road and route 703 on Blackburn Road.

SmartBus services will operate along existing routes from Blackburn Railway Station to Clayton Railway Station on Blackburn Road, and from Nunawading Railway Station to Springvale Station on Springvale Road. Collectively, there are 191 stops along the routes.  These routes were chosen because they are excellent examples of "cross-town" bus routes in a high-traffic area of the Scoresby Corridor.

 

If successful, the SmartBus program may be introduced, where appropriate, to other "cross-town" bus routes throughout the Melbourne metropolitan area.

 

What makes Smart Bus so smart?

 Extra buses will operate on Blackburn and Springvale Roads to make catching SmartBus easier.  Additional services on weekends and at night will be introduced to reflect retail trading hours.

 

SmartBus uses the latest technology available to ensure it runs on time. SmartBus initiatives to improve reliability include:

  • Real time tracking technology to give late running buses priority at traffic signals to assist drivers in keeping to schedule

  • 'Real time' electronic displays on popular bus stops along Route 888/889 with information on the latest bus arrival times;

  • 'Real time' electronic displays at train stations for both Route 703 and 888/889 with information on the latest bus and train arrival times;

  • Fine tuning of timetables to cater for increased SmartBus services and ensure coordination of bus and train timetables.

Better connections to trains will be offered by synchronising timetables and providing bus drivers with immediate information on train arrival times. 

Information on services - including copies of timetables and route maps - will be widely distributed and easily available to current and potential users. 

Also:

Smart Bus has a Bus Route Management System that: 

  • Tracks buses on a bus route

  • Predicts the arrival times of each bus at bus stops

  • Displays these predicted arrival times to waiting customers at bus stops (can also put messages on)

  • Requests priority processing at traffic signals when a bus is running very late

  • Alerts the Smart Bus Management Centre when an alarm occurs. This feature provides an early warning system so that operators can implement corrective actions sooner, thus reducing passenger waiting time

The Bus Route Management System calls for priority at lights and is able to display how far away the bus is.  The picture below is a detailed summary of how the system works.

 

 

There are many options for the system to be expanded.  It can display times on the Internet, so you know from home or work whether to run or walk.

 

Improved Bus Stops

All SmartBus stops will benefit from a renovation to upgrade facilities and provide greater accessibility for all passengers. The renovation complies with the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act. Key changes to the bus stops include:

  • Installation of pram crossings

  • Improvements to footpaths surrounding bus stops

  • Colour contrasting to assist vision impaired passengers

  • Improved lighting and signage

  • New flags and cases with updated maps and timetables

  • Compliance of kerb height for low-floor bus accessibility

  • Provision for wheelchairs to access and park under shelter

A new fleet of low floor buses are being gradually introduced to further enhance accessibility. These buses are air conditioned, low emission, and have foldout ramps to provide wheelchair users with easy access.

 

For further information please write to the Smart Bus Program at:

Mail: Level 25, Nauru House 80 Collins Street Melbourne, 3000

Email: smart.bus@doi.vic.gov.au  

or benjamin@landseer.cjb.net

Fax: 03 9655 8994

 

 

Ventura also has it's own special SmartBus page at www.venturabus.com.au.