Key commuter insights gained as On Demand trial wraps up
The On Demand public transport trial operated by Transit Systems using BRIDJ technology, covering Rose Bay, Dover Heights and Bondi, will cease from 20 December, 2019.
The trial was conducted in collaboration with Transport for NSW (TfNSW) to gather information and assess how passengers use this type of integrated service to better connect to existing services, according to BRIDJ GM John Langford-Ely.
The On Demand Public Transport trial introduced services designed to connect local residents, as well as local and international visitors, between Bondi and Dover Heights to Rose Bay Ferry. The BRIDJ trial was successfully extended to its maximum trial duration.
“The BRIDJ technology focuses on grouping customers with similar travel demands onto shared trips, while at the same time connecting with broader transport timetables, such as the Rose Bay ferry in this trial.
“Our aim is to optimise public transport by creating more direct shared rides, while at the same time delivering greater efficiency for our Operating and Government partners.
Mr Langford-Ely said BRIDJ seeks to integrate On Demand services successfully with existing infrastructure, by better connecting people from their journey start and end points.
“We passionately believe this will lead to increased patronage on the network as a whole and trials such as this are incredibly useful in helping us achieve that for the community.
“We thank everyone for their support during the trial, and especially to those that got on board, gave it a go and provided us with valuable data and feedback to move forward with,” he said.
Learnings from this trial will help inform Transport for NSW’s planning of future transport services and create opportunities to implement new transport models that improve customer outcomes.
“TfNSW are to be commended on their vision for trialling, learning, and creating world-class transport solutions that offer sustainable, convenient and connected outcomes,” he said.
Mr Langford-Ely said On Demand technology is rapidly advancing, and trials such as Rose Bay are critical in gathering real data and feedback to ensure that the service continues to improve as it evolves.
“BRIDJ will continue to study the many valuable data points and customer feedback in order to further enhance its technology, so that it can deliver an even better customer experience for similar feeder services in the future.
BRIDJ will soon release new features that have been informed and developed as a direct outcome of this specific trial experience.
BRIDJ remains operational with permanent services in Region 6, where its technology is being used to connect customers around Mortlake, Cabarita, Concord, Sydney Olympic Park and Newington to local train hubs like Lidcombe, Strathfield and Burwood.
Commuters can simply download the BRIDJ app via the App Store or Google Play, book a dedicated seat using OpalPay or Credit Card and enjoy free wifi on board one of the BRIDJ 18 seater mini- buses. The cost of a one-way journey being $3.20, or $1.60 for concession card holders. The buses are also fully accessible and are air conditioned.
“We will continue to work with the Government to develop an On Demand public bus solution that people want to use, and is sustainable. We encourage people to get on board and be part of the transport future, and welcome customer feedback so that we can continually improve and provide a service that reflects the community’s needs.”
For more information, please visit www.bridj.com