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Keolis Downer boosts multimodal network for Newcastle
from REX Sep 2019
‘Embracing the future of mobility’: A multimodal network for Newcastle
Springboarding off the success of light rail, Keolis Downer is enhancing Newcastle’s multimodal transport network with a bigger On Demand service, driverless shuttles, and Park and Ride.
BELOW: A rigorous safety testing program is in place for the driverless shuttle before it is ready for commercial use.
KEOLIS DOWNER HAS A 10-YEAR contract to design and run Newcastle Transport, the integrated transport system in the Newcastle area, incorporating buses, ferries, and light rail.
The integration of the city’s transport network was part of the NSW Government’s Revitalising Newcastle plan, which featured the light rail line as its centrepiece. The line, which opened in February 2019, runs from Newcastle Interchange in Wickham to Newcastle Beach at the east end of the city, and features six stops. Just months after it opened, the light rail line was managing more than 4,000 passenger trips a day, over double the
patronage estimated by the state government in 2013.
As part of the Newcastle Transport overhaul, in January 2018 a new bus network was launched, providing better and faster connectivity to key areas and the introduction of real-time On Demand bus services.
The On Demand services was a success: patronage on the service grew 12 per cent monthto-month on average, with more than 3,000 On Demand trips taken in May.
68 per cent of On Demand customer trips would not have been possible via a regular public transport route. “These flexible, non-regular routes encourage the use of public transport by providing mobility options for all, in areas where daily demand is variable,” Keolis Downer CEO David Franks said. “Most customers have less than 150 metres to walk to reach the pick-up point for their personalised bus service and customers are able to travel to areas when they want, thanks to this new flexible service.” The system was successful enough that Keolis Downer in July 2019 decided to expand its reach from 25 square kilometres to 56 square kilometres, allowing access for another 27,000 residents in the Lake Macquarie area.
“We are delighted by the success of Newcastle Transport On Demand and are thrilled to see the service expand,” Via CEO Daniel Ramot said. Via, a New York-based tech company, is partnered with Keolis Downer on the project. “Australia is one of the world’s leaders in transforming public mobility from rigid fixedroute schedules into a fully flexible On Demand network,” he said.
Driverless shuttle Keolis Downer is also trialling a driverless vehicle to offer more choices to locals and visitors. Designed as a potential solution for the ‘first mile, last mile’ portion of the commute, the driverless, 11-seater Navya shuttle bus entered testing in July ahead of a 12-month trial period, moving passengers along the harbour foreshore. During the trial, a chaperone will be onboard to stop the vehicle via an override if required.
Keolis Downer New Mobilities Manager, Sue Wiblin, said the trial was being developed in accordance with national and state legislation and regulations to ensure it met all safety standards. “Over the next month, we will complete a rigorous safety testing program, on road and off road, to prepare the vehicle for customer services,” Wiblin said. “In-built computers and sensing systems capable of detecting obstacles, anticipating movement and evaluating risk of collision, are what sets this vehicle apart from the risks associated with human-controlled cars. “These systems are capable of detecting vehicle movement and are also able to determine the travel route, make decisions to slow down, brake and alternate the vehicle’s path if required.”
Wiblin said the trial would help gauge demand for driverless vehicle operations and assess their suitability in mixed traffic and transport scenarios in Newcastle.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the launch was a major milestone for Newcastle’s smart city journey. “I look forward to working with Transport for NSW and partners Keolis Downer on this unique opportunity to make the future of automated transport in Newcastle a reality as we transform the city into a living lab,” Nelmes said.
The plan is for passengers to be able to take in views of the City’s harbour along the proposed 2km loop service, from Watt Street along Wharf Road
to Nobbys and back, providing a very appealing service for tourists. A larger circuit will include some of Newcastle’s other beachside destinations after a couple of months.
Park and Ride deal secured Keolis Downer has also been awarded a 12-month deal to continue operating Newcastle’s popular Park and Ride. The Park and Ride allows commuters to park at McDonald Jones Stadium and catch a bus to a range of stops in the city.
The service is important for freeing up roughly 200 car parks in the city centre each day, giving commuters a convenient and affordable alternative to driving into the city.
All reports from the community, city businesses and major employers are that Park and Ride should be continued, as it is making the daily commute easier for more than 1,000 regular weekly users, and keeping cars out of the CBD.
There have been over 120,000 trips on Park and Ride since it commenced in November 2017.
Contact: keolisdowner.com.au ABOVE: The express Park and Ride service is cheaper than the $7-return Opal bus fare or $8.50 all day parking.
