Transit Systems secures Region 6 Bus Contract to operate services in Inner Western Sydney

Australian-owned Transit Systems will welcome 1,200 new staff members and a fleet of 600 buses as of 1 July, 2018, transitioning NSW’s largest ever public bus operation after being awarded the Region 6 Bus Services Contract covering Sydney’s inner west.

Announced by Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Andrew Constance on 13 February 2018 the appointment includes the first contract in Sydney to blend both mass and on demand transit, making catching public transport easier than ever before. This comes as Transit Systems continues to excel in Sydney, celebrating the second consecutive year as the state’s number one on-time operator.

Having successfully transitioned more public bus contracts than any other operator in Australia, and with a trial of on demand services already successfully underway in Sydney, Transit Systems CEO Clint Feuerherdt said he was confident of a smooth transition and positive ongoing performance.

“The Government has been clear about expectations in operating this contract, from improving performance for commuters, to reducing costs for tax payers, while maintaining employment conditions and guarantees - and we’re confident we are well positioned to achieve them.

“We’ll also be bringing our industry-leading on demand solution, BRIDJ, into service within the region to improve connections and accessibility.” he said.

Leveraging its big data analytics software to better understand how passengers ‘want’ to move in their city, the BRIDJ proprietary software optimises service delivery through dynamic routing, stopping and passenger clustering.

Resulting in flexible bus services that are more relevant, dynamic and direct than traditional fixed route services, Mr. Feuerherdt said the technology has already proved to be popular with passengers with over 1000 app downloads since BRIDJ went live in Region 3 on 4 December.

Transit Systems hopes to move many of the Region 6 mass transit routes to high frequency services, which will allow commuters to ‘turn up and go’, avoiding static timetables and instead delivering real time services tailored to, and connecting, one of the world’s top cities.

“We have a global network of world-class public transport experience to call on, with operations in London, Singapore and right across Australia.

“Combined with our strong track-record of improving performance, connections, reliability and comfort, alongside our commitment to safety and convenience – we are confident we can deliver a better service for the community, tax-payers and Government.

As part of the five-year contract, the Government will continue to regulate timetables, routes and bus stops, and all assets, including depots and buses will remain Government-owned. It will include a two year trial of four electric buses between Leichhardt and the city to test sustainable transport solutions.

“We look forward to welcoming the new team members to our business, combining our international intelligence and local knowledge for the best outcomes,” he said.

Since transitioning the Region 3 Contract in 2013, Transit Systems has become the most consistent on-time operator, while increasing patronage on some services by nearly 30%.

Transit Systems recently celebrated carrying their 50 millionth commuter in Sydney, during which time they have achieved patronage growth on the T80, increasing by a massive 29% to date. Under the management of Transit Systems, the T80 service between Parramatta and Liverpool has become Sydney’s first bus rapid transport route, operating a 5 minute frequency service during peak periods.

Transit Systems is an Australian-owned company that has built a reputation for a positive work culture and its ability to collaborate effectively with Government to deliver improved services for passengers. The Transit Systems group currently operates bus services in Western Australia, New South Wales, South Australia, Northern Territory, Singapore and London. For more information please visit www.transitsystems.com.au

For more information, photographs or to arrange an interview, please contact: Square One PR
Katie Wilke M: 0411 771 469 E: katie.wilke@squareonepr.com.au