REVIEW OF PERFORMANCE
1. Service Reliability
Transwa has a number of key performance indicators in relation to the on-time performance of its train and coach services. These are:
Prospector
|
90% of services to arrive within 15 minutes of schedule |
| Australind
|
90% of services to arrive within 10 minutes of schedule |
| AvonLink
|
95% of services to arrive within 10 minutes of schedule |
| MerredinLink | 95% of services to arrive within 10 minutes of schedule |
| Road Coaches
|
95% of services to arrive within 10 minutes of schedule |
The road coaches continued to perform to target – 96% of services arriving within 10 minutes of the scheduled arrival time which is consistent with the high level of reliability over the last four financial years.
The on-time running performance of the Prospector continued to improve on previous years’ results, with better mechanical reliability of the railcars. Further improvement in on-time running is expected with the extension of the crossing loops (passing places) on the Perth-Kalgoorlie railway and replacement of the final sections of wooden sleepers. These works are scheduled to commence in October 2007.
The on-time running of the Australind increased to 92% from 88% because of improved track conditions.
On-time running of the AvonLink and MerredinLink services remained consistently high at 99% and 89% respectively.
2. Trends in Patronage
Total patronage on all Transwa services increased by 1% in 2006/07 compared with the previous year. The main growth occurred on train services, predominantly the Prospector service.
3. Service Coverage
The total passenger place kilometres* for road coaches increased slightly due to service deviations resulting from road closures because of floods in the Esperance area.
The total passenger place kilometres* for rail services increased due to an increase in the number of railcars used on the Prospector service and the provision of additional AvonLink services on Sundays as part of the “Spring in the Avon” campaign.
* The average seat capacity multiplied by the kilometres travelled while in service
4. Passenger Satisfaction
Transwa continued to maintain a high level of customer satisfaction. The percentage of passengers who were satisfied or very satisfied overall was 89% in 2006/07.
5. Passenger Safety
Transwa’s commitment to safety, including a continuous review of safety systems, procedures and processes, was reflected in there being no significant incidents which compromised passenger safety during the year.
6. Efficiency
There was a slight rise in the cost of providing Transwa services in 2006/07. The rise in the average cost per passenger place kilometre for rail services was largely due to increased maintenance of the Australind railcars.
The average cost per passenger place kilometre for road coaches was unchanged from 2005/06.
7. Revenue and Expenditure
There was a 6.9% increase in revenue due to increased passenger numbers and an increase in the number of full fare paying customers.
A 5.6% increase in expenditure was mainly due to general cost pressures and increased maintenance of the Australind railcars.
SERVICE INFORMATION
The Prospector and Australind trains continued to be well patronised and this is expected to improve further in 2007/08, particularly for the Prospector with the running of more multi-car sets which will add to the overall seat capacity. The Eastern Goldfields Railway upgrade (see below) will have an adverse short-term effect on this scenario.
In 2006/07 the "Spring in the Avon" Sunday departures of the AvonLink proved to be a successful innovation. The seven departures averaged 96% capacity. With the assistance of the Toodyay and Northam communities, Transwa will repeat the exercise in September and October 2007 with a total of eight Sunday departures as part of its overall marketing strategy. However, the AvonLink and MerredinLink services were again poorly patronised during the year. Other marketing activities are under consideration to improve this situation.
Transwa road coaches continued to perform well although there were slight reductions in patronage on some routes. Detailed analysis of these routes is being undertaken to ascertain what measures could be taken to increase patronage.
IN THE FUTURE
During the year Transwa started a concerted
campaign to promote the Transwa brand in the
marketplace, with poster campaigns on Transperth
trains, a full “wrap” of a Transperth bus
and targeted
destination advertising for train and coach services.
The campaign will continue in 2007/08.
Customer service will be further improved with upgrades to Transwa’s on-line booking facility and by bringing more of Transwa’s booking agents on-line.
The refurbishment program of the Australind train will continue in 2007/08 with the outcomes being improved service reliability, greater comfort through refurbished railcars (including new seats) and increased amenity through upgraded toilets and buffets.
Upgrading of the Eastern Goldfields Railway between Perth and Kalgoorlie, which will involve increasing the length of six crossing loops and replacement of old wooden sleepers, will commence in late October 2007. The crossing loop project will create more places where long freight trains can pull off the main line to allow the Prospector to pass. While there will be some service impacts during the work, these improvements will improve the on-time running performance of the Prospector. The track upgrade has been jointly funded by Westnet Rail (track operator), Pacific National (freight operator), the State Government and the Federal Government (Auslink program).