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SYSTRA and PTAANZ Identify 14 Ways to Boost Public Transport Productivity in New Report
The new report identifies 14 practical ways to improve the performance of existing public transport networks.
SYSTRA has partnered with the Public Transport Association Australia New Zealand (PTAANZ) to release a new benchmark report examining how public transport networks across the region can improve productivity without relying solely on major new infrastructure builds. Rather than calling for reduced regulation, the report sets out 14 practical, high-return initiatives designed to extract greater performance from existing transport assets.
"Productivity is becoming an increasingly important focus, and rightly so. In a complex environment with competing demands for resources, we all share a responsibility to make the best possible use of what we have. When done well, even the slightest uplift in productivity can improve the daily lives of communities." Chris Hurst, Executive General Manager, Growth & Development, SYSTRA.
The Challenge Facing the Sector
The report highlights the financial and operational pressures facing Australia and New Zealand's transport networks, pointing to tight fiscal environments, rising urban populations and ongoing labour constraints. According to figures cited in the publication, an estimated $21 billion is lost each year across the two countries due to infrastructure project delays and cancellations. The report also notes that a $242 billion-plus national infrastructure pipeline is colliding with tighter budgets and a workforce shortfall of around 300,000 people. At the same time, around 90% of infrastructure megaprojects experience cost overruns, with project schedules extending by more than 20%.
Three Pillars for Improving Productivity
The report's framework centres on three core areas:
- moving people more safely and frequently by reducing journey friction and improving the frontline user experience
- delivering projects more efficiently through early planning, constructability and repeatable frameworks
- operating infrastructure more effectively by standardising data and digitising core transport assets
A key finding is that some of the biggest productivity gains may come from low-cost initiatives rather than large capital works. The research points to safety, trust, comfort and accessibility as consistent factors affecting network patronage, suggesting that addressing these areas can offer immediate, system-wide improvements at relatively low cost.
