The long weekend may be a record breaker for public transport use with holiday makers and day-trippers looking to enjoy their own local backyards and leave the car in the garage, according to TTF CEO Margy Osmond

“A new national survey of more than 800 people released today by TTF shows that more than twice as many people believe that public transport services have improved in the last five years over those who believe networks have got worse.

“Our research clearly shows that efforts by all level of governments over the past five years to improve our public transport services are paying dividends, with commuters noticing and appreciating the investments made to deliver better services,” Ms Osmond said.

The biggest winners were in WA where 47% of commuters felt there had been improvement followed by NSW at 43% and Victoria at 41%. The least improved state was Tasmania according to the survey.

“The long weekend is fast approaching, so if you are one of the many Australians not heading out of town why not think about ditching the car and grab a bus, train or ferry to explore your city.

“You don’t need to take long trips to take full advantage of what our great country has to offer. In every state and territory, some of the world’s best tourist attractions are right on our doorstep and many are only a public transport trip away.

Ms Osmond said that not only is public transport an affordable and accessible way to get around, it has the added benefit of reducing Australia’s notorious long weekend congestion.

“Unfortunately, we are all too familiar with the chronic congestion that has become the hallmark of a long weekend in Australia,” Ms Osmond said.

“Our public transport networks are going from strength to strength, but our congestion problems are only getting worse, with the avoidable cost of congestion for Australian capital cities estimated to be around $16.5 billion each year.

“Instead of being stuck in a long weekend traffic jam, think about taking the stress out of your trip and hopping on public transport.”

Question: Do you believe public transport services have improved over the past five years?

 

Nationally

Yes	39 per cent
No	19 per cent
No change	30 per cent
Unsure	12 per cent

 

NSW

Yes	43 per cent
No	18 per cent
No change	29 per cent
Unsure	10 per cent

 

Victoria

Yes	41 per cent
No	21 per cent
No change	28 per cent
Unsure	10 per cent

 

 

South Australia

Yes	32 per cent
No	11 per cent
No change	44 per cent
Unsure	13 per cent

 

Queensland

Yes	31 per cent
No	22 per cent
No change	30 per cent
Unsure	17 per cent

 

Tasmania

Yes	30 per cent
No	23 per cent
No change	38 per cent
Unsure	15 per cent

 

Western Australia

Yes	47 per cent
No	14 per cent
No change	25 per cent
Unsure	14 per cent