Secret Buses (Part 2)
Yesterday I took you though the fun of trying to find out when your bus runs, if you rely on a Perth CAT service.
Today, something even more sinister: a bus that has no fixed route. Now not only do you not know when your bus is coming but you have no real idea where it might go.
What is this strange service? The Adelaide Metro "Roam Zone".
The idea is quite simple. Faced with wandering streets, low patronage and passenger security concerns, buses in two areas of Adelaide (Hallett Cove/Sheidow Park and Golden Grove), will take any route at night that can drop the passenger close to their destination.This is what the official guide says :
"Prior to 7pm you will need to board a Roaming Service (681P, 682 or 683) at a designated bus stop. However, after 7pm these services could travel down any street in the Roam Zone, so if you see a Roaming Service in your street and wish to board after 7pm, please hail the bus to be picked up." (emphasis added)
In other words, if you pick up one of these buses at the station to take you home, you are fine, but if you happen to want to go out in the evening (perish the thought!) actually finding is bus is as easy as winning the lottery.
Any wonder a car is seen as an essential part of Australian suburban life?
posted by HDZ @ 5:06 PM
4 Comments:
Adelaide's not the only one; for a couple of years most Canberra suburbs have served by 'area buses' where you need to phone first if you want to catch a bus at night.
However there's a comment on Bus Australia speculating that they might be reverting to route services.
True, "demand responsive" buses are nothing new. They are tried from time to time in various places.
This Adelaide example, though, is the only one I have come across without a telephone component. That is, there seems to be no way of actually requesting a bus - you just take pot luck!
BTW, did you know about the 'half-secret' bus in Melbourne?
Look up Route 479 and go to the Mon-Fri timetable. Down the bottom amongst the many footnotes, you'll find:
'F Bus deviates into Tullamarine and Niddrie if required.'
So if you're waiting at Tullarmarine or Niddrie you won't be able to catch it unless someone else travelling there has asked the driver to deviate beforehand!
479 doesn't appear to have a phone component either!
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