Mode Interconnection

Interconnection between transport modes is a key factor of good transport networks. Being able to change easily between rail, bus, car and tram ensure ease of access for all users, and decreases the barriers faced by new parents, young people, older people and others of limited mobility.

Have you got a good idea? We welcome your contributions and would be delighted to add them to our growing stock of good ideas. Please send all contributions (and photos) to adminthinkingtransport [dot] org [dot] au.

1. Minimising walking distance

By far one of the biggest factors that makes public transport unattractive is the need to change modes multiple time, where a car goes directly from start point to end point. The best way to minimise this inconveniance is to minimise the amount of effort require to change modes.

If a passenger has to walk 100m between a train station and bus station, public transport becomes far less attractive than if the bus station is right next door.

Placing bus terminals near train stations is a good link between two major public transport modes. There is only a 20 meter walk between the two in this photo.

This sign at the exit of the train station provides a clear and complete list of buses departing the terminal and their routes. This makes it very easy for train users to determine which bus to catch.

The red shared pathway leads from the nearby town centre and shopping precinct directly to the bus terminal and train station. This makes walking and cycling viable and easy options.

2. Parking facilities near other transport modes

Private vehicles are the most popular method of transport and will always form a component of the Victorian transport network. By providing sufficient parking facilities for private vehicles near alternative transport options, car trips may be reduced considerably.

Car parking at train stations sufficient for peak demand means more people can catch the train. Not enough car parks means the driver might as well just do the entire trip by car.

Parking near bicycle and walking paths, as well as community ammenities can improve access to walking and cycling, but also encourages driving to these destinations.

'Park and Ride' systems are an excellent way of efficiently transporting large numbers of people to a single destination, such as commuters to the city.

This principals also applied to bicycle parking and locking facilities - without formal and secure bike racks at train stations, riders will need to lock their bikes further away from stations, making the connection between the two difficult and unappealing. The Cycling Good Idea page provides examples of solutions to this problem.

3. Taxi Rank placement

Taxis fill a crucial gap in transport networks, providing door-to-door access to areas unavailable via train or bus, without adequate parking facilities, or too far away for pedestrians and cyclists.

They are ideal for those who can’t drive or ride and need to get to specific location, especially where PT is few and far between.

The Victorian Taxi Association is very keen to discuss the placement of taxi ranks with local government in order to maximise exposure and utility of this mode.

An overview of the Victorian Taxi industry for local government is available on the Thinking Transport library.

4. The Bike Racks on Buses

Through the simple step of installing bike racks on the front of municipal buses, the ACT Government completely connected two modes of transport.

With buses able to carry up to two bikes at a time in a simple spring loaded mechanism, cyclists no longer have to worry about leaving their bikes vulnerable to theft or not having a transport option at the end of their bus journey

This highly effective connection increases the use of both bicycles and buses by the local community and vastly improves accessibility.

5. Taxis as Community Transport

The WYNcabs service is an excellent example of maximising the value of a transport mode. As a mode, taxis provide excellent connectivity and allow people without cars to access public transport options easily.

Through a partnership with 13CABS, Wyndham City Council provides residents who face difficulty accessing private or public transport with an easily accessed and affordable system. Residents can use taxis for as little as $2 per trip if they are:

• are over 60 years of age;
• mobility impaired, or;
• have a pension concession card;

This case study may easily be established in other Council areas. For more information, see the WYNcabs Service case study on Thinking Transport.