Department of Transport Annual Report 2013-14
London cabs on Perth streets in trial of purpose-built taxis
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- Reviewing WA’s intrastate regulated Regular Public Transport air routes
- Augusta Boat Harbour nearing completion
- Port Geographe coastal reconfiguration progressing on schedule
London cabs on Perth streets in trial of purpose-built taxisIn September 2013, DoT commenced a trial of purpose-built taxis (PBTs) aimed at improving the safety, standards and accessibility of Perth taxis. Manufacturers from around the world were invited to participate in the four-year trial and London Taxi Company’s TX4 was selected as the trial vehicle. The iconic London taxi can carry up to five fare-paying passengers and features a safety screen for drivers and patrons. It also has a range of accessibility inclusions such as an induction hearing loop, high-visibility markers for the visually impaired and swivel seats for passengers with mobility difficulties. The first London taxi commenced operating in early December 2013. By 30 June 2014, this number had steadily grown to 81. DoT appointed drivers through a performance-based expression of interest process. Drivers were offered a nominal lease rate in exchange for providing information on the operating and maintenance costs of their TX4 and making survey material available to passengers. At the end of the trial, the feedback from passengers, drivers and operators will be used by DoT to evaluate the advantages of PBTs compared to existing taxis. Preliminary feedback has indicated that the trial has been embraced by drivers and passengers who have enjoyed the safety, comfort and accessibility of PBTs. DoT is now working with the Disability Services Commission (DSC) to develop a small-scale pilot program to assess the TX4’s ability to carry passengers in wheelchairs. DSC will assist DoT’s approved provider to train the TX4 drivers involved in the pilot. This program has the support and cooperation of the Insurance Commission of Western Australia. Reviewing WA’s intrastate regulated Regular Public Transport air routesIn July 2013, DoT commenced a review of regulated Regular Public Transport (RPT) air routes in WA. The review aims to balance certainty of passenger air services to regional areas with flexibility to allow competition between operators to provide efficient services, without unnecessary restrictions. The review will determine the future regulatory approach to eight regional RPT routes when arrangements between the State Government and airlines servicing the routes expire in February 2016. During July and August 2013, DoT distributed approximately 4,500 on-board passenger surveys across 50 flights on RPT routes between Perth and Albany, Carnarvon-Monkey Mia, Derby, Esperance, Exmouth, Leonora-Laverton, Meekatharra-Mount Magnet and Wiluna-Leinster to identify key users of RPT services and their satisfaction with costs, schedules and quality of flights. Passenger feedback, together with statistical information and preliminary feedback from stakeholders in each region, informed the development of a position paper based on the regulatory approach recommended for each of the eight routes beyond 2016, as well as any appropriate risk management strategies. The position paper also includes a review of DoT’s policy on regulating charter air services. The review aims to ensure that charter air services do not impact on the viability of RPT air services in WA as a matter of public interest, while also seeking to accommodate the needs of mining companies. The position paper was endorsed by the State Government in June 2014 and is scheduled to be released for public comment. Following three months’ of further stakeholder and community consultation, DoT will present a summary report to the State Government for consideration. Augusta Boat Harbour nearing completionIn 2013/14, DoT continued to manage construction of the $34.6 million Augusta Boat Harbour. Once completed the harbour will provide 2.8 hectares of much-needed sheltered water for recreational and commercial craft. In addition, five hectares of land will be available, which can be used for a range of tourism and commercial opportunities in the growing South West region. The project is progressing on schedule and will deliver: two breakwaters to create a sheltered water area; a four-lane boat-launching ramp with two boat-holding jetties; 40 boat pens to accommodate commercial, charter and recreational vessels; a service wharf to allow larger commercial vessels to safely and efficiently transfer passengers and products; parking for at least 160 vehicles with trailers and 80 cars; fully-serviced land development lots for marine-related purposes; and a landscaped jetty promenade area. The southern and northern breakwaters, totalling 750m in length, were successfully completed in August 2013. Also during 2013/14, works on the boat pens and service wharf were 40 per cent completed and civil works (such as the construction of roads and car parks) were also substantially completed. In April 2014, DoT awarded the fifth and final contract for the project to deliver the finishing touches to the harbour – including ablutions, promenade shelter, landscaping, paths and stone feature walls. Works commenced and are scheduled to be completed in October 2014, prior to the harbour’s expected official opening in November 2014. Port Geographe coastal reconfiguration progressing on scheduleIn September 2013, construction of the $28.15 million project to reconfigure the coastal structures at Port Geographe commenced. The long-awaited project, being managed by DoT and delivered in three stages, aims to address environmental and health issues by allowing sand and seagrass to bypass the coastal structures naturally. In the initial stage, 150,000 cubic metres of accumulated seagrass wrack was successfully bypassed by December 2013. In addition, dredging works to establish the footprint for the construction of the breakwaters were completed in March 2014. Further dredging to deepen the navigation channel is on schedule to be completed in late July 2014. The main component of the project – the construction of the reconfigured breakwaters – was completed ahead of schedule in June 2014. Early indications show these newly-established structures are reducing the build-up of seagrass wrack. DoT will continue to closely monitor the structures and adjacent beaches to assess ongoing performance. During the final landscaping stage, Port Geographe will be transformed into an attractive and inviting recreation space featuring sheltered picnic areas, meeting places and a network of multi-purpose pathways. The contract for the works will be awarded in August 2014. DoT expects the project, which has received widespread support from stakeholders and the Busselton community, to be completed on schedule in January 2015. Directory: mediaFiles mediaFiles -> Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Report on the human rights situation in Ukraine mediaFiles -> Valerii Hryhorovych asapov mediaFiles -> Intentionally blank mediaFiles -> Uncontrolled when printed mediaFiles -> President of the Royal Aeronautical Society, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen mediaFiles -> Display Pilot Flight Lieutenant Jamie Norris mediaFiles -> Translation Download 436.52 Kb. Share with your friends:
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