❓ Question regarding the cost and security implications of extending free public transport to Seniors Card holders and pensioners during off-peak hours. The government estimates the cost at $176,249 per year and states no additional security measures are needed.
AnsweredQoN 860Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
PUBLIC TRANSPORT — PENSIONERS
860. Hon MARTIN PRITCHARD to the
parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Transport:
I refer to the extension of free
public transport to Seniors Card holders and aged and disability pensioners
after 7.00 pm and before 6.00 am and to the estimate that an additional 145 000
trips a year will be made.
(1) What is the basis of that
calculation?
(2) What is the anticipated
additional cost of this initiative?
(3) Given that
many of these persons are vulnerable, what additional security measures will be
taken to ensure their safety?
(4) What is the cost of those
additional security measures?
860. Hon MARTIN PRITCHARD to the
parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Transport:
I refer to the extension of free
public transport to Seniors Card holders and aged and disability pensioners
after 7.00 pm and before 6.00 am and to the estimate that an additional 145 000
trips a year will be made.
(1) What is the basis of that
calculation?
(2) What is the anticipated
additional cost of this initiative?
(3) Given that
many of these persons are vulnerable, what additional security measures will be
taken to ensure their safety?
(4) What is the cost of those
additional security measures?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of this question.
The Liberal–National
government continues to support Western Australia Seniors Card holders,
pensioners and carers through the further extension of free public transport.
Previously, seniors SmartRider holders were eligible for free travel between 9.00
am and 3.30 pm on weekdays and all day on weekends and public holidays. The
extension of free travel to include the period between 7.00 pm and 6.00 am on
weekdays will provide these passengers with increased opportunity to experience
our transforming city and remain involved in the community.
(1) The estimated
145 000 trips is based on the known boardings by seniors and pensioners that
occurred between 7.00 pm and 6.00 am on weekdays during 2014.
(2) The expected
cost of forgoing these 145 000 trips was estimated at $176 249 a year based on
2014 fare prices, excluding GST.
(3) In respect of
Transperth bus services, Transperth already maintains a heavy presence of
security services for its evening and night-time services. Therefore, no
additional security measures are being introduced as a result of this strategy,
noting that no additional trips or services are required. With regard to
Transperth train services, again noting that no additional trips or services
are being provided, the Public Transport Authority's current complement
of transit officers, who are rostered across the urban rail network and are
assisted by contracted MSS Security revenue protection staff, will continue to
provide a significant security presence on board trains and at train stations
each day.
(4) Not applicable.
some notice of this question.
The Liberal–National
government continues to support Western Australia Seniors Card holders,
pensioners and carers through the further extension of free public transport.
Previously, seniors SmartRider holders were eligible for free travel between 9.00
am and 3.30 pm on weekdays and all day on weekends and public holidays. The
extension of free travel to include the period between 7.00 pm and 6.00 am on
weekdays will provide these passengers with increased opportunity to experience
our transforming city and remain involved in the community.
(1) The estimated
145 000 trips is based on the known boardings by seniors and pensioners that
occurred between 7.00 pm and 6.00 am on weekdays during 2014.
(2) The expected
cost of forgoing these 145 000 trips was estimated at $176 249 a year based on
2014 fare prices, excluding GST.
(3) In respect of
Transperth bus services, Transperth already maintains a heavy presence of
security services for its evening and night-time services. Therefore, no
additional security measures are being introduced as a result of this strategy,
noting that no additional trips or services are required. With regard to
Transperth train services, again noting that no additional trips or services
are being provided, the Public Transport Authority's current complement
of transit officers, who are rostered across the urban rail network and are
assisted by contracted MSS Security revenue protection staff, will continue to
provide a significant security presence on board trains and at train stations
each day.
(4) Not applicable.
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