Session Details
- Host: Eric keys (LinkedIn)
- Session: 1
- Location: Yarra Room
Session Notes:
Eric keys - previously worked as Consultant. currently doing PhD at RMIT.
Background transport consultant now shifting into advocacy.
There is a gap in advocacy. Lots of reactionary advocacy. Eric is focusing on 'modest' project advocacy.
Eric is advocating for 10 minute train service (during off peak)
Modest concept, use existing stock but requires more on costs. Believes there is capacity during offpeak. Believes his can be implemented with relatively low costs.
This is was already in the network development plan for today, why isn't it in place?
10 minute head ways allows people to not worry about timetable. Many benifits, no need for coordination due to high headway.
Allows people to travel outside peaks. Right now if u miss peak u are left with a lower freq service. Shifts travel patterns.
Trains still have people standing duringoff peak- suggests there is demand
Elasticity concept - increased frequency will increase patronage and fare revenue. This is a neutral cost proposition. Suggests it is a very cost effective proposal.cant garuantee self funding but it's still far cheaper than other projects.
end of Eric's presentation---------------
start discussion----
Problems.
metro finding hard to recruit existing drivers.
Eric - Average train drivers six figure salary. Seems like there would be good demand.
why isn't this being done? Not sure.
Eric spoke to metro and PTV, both want to do this.
Question...how do you get this concept on he political agenda?
Dave - elasticity may not be well understood in offpeak in Melbourne. high car ownership and hard to compete. Low congestion and high convenience. May require a solid robust understanding and modelling.
Eric keys - how much modelling required for some existing decisions e.g. Pso at trains.
dave - depends on decision makers, decisions and leaps of faith on wanting to do the right thing. Although Eric stated some excellent examples where no modelling or business case required.
Eric - discussions on data availability.
Some data available in public domain to suggest strong off peak patronage. Uniform tho some growing more than others. Off peak patronage not monitored so depending on anecdotal or personal experience.
Nora - bus services worse frequency, it's a feeder service, why isn't this a bigger priority?
eric - cost benefit, buses much more expensive.
Issues
Despite benefits...idea needs to be sexy - e.g. Signalling isn't
is time right? Maybe - due to renegotiation.