TransdevTSL Director, Mr Robert Horninge, detailed the improvements the joint venture company had created for public transport in Australia at a Public Forum organised by the Special Commission of Inquiry into Sydney Ferries.

TransdevTSL combines Transfield Services’ world leading operations and maintenance expertise and Transdev's longstanding experience in the public transport sector.

TransdevTSL has been running Melbourne’s Yarra Trams since 1998 and also operates and maintains Brisbane City Council's fleet of CityCats and CityFerries and the Shorelink Bus service on Sydney’s north shore.

TransdevTSL's public transport services have a strong track record, and the improvements made to both the operations and maintenance of public transport systems include:

Yarra Trams

• Patronage increase of 25.5 per cent between 1999 and 2006 to 151 million passenger trips in 2005–06
• A 25 per cent improvement in punctuality from 67.3 to 83.9 per cent since April 2004
• Innovative customer communications through real-time, at stop passenger information and the tramTRACKER system
• World class delivery of transport during major sporting events such as the Commonwealth Games, the Australian Open Tennis, and the Australian Formula One Grand Prix.

Brisbane Ferries

• Patronage increase of 63 per cent over last three years
• On time running for 99 per cent of ferry trips
• Customer satisfaction averaging more than 80 per cent over last three years
• Network expansion plans to add three additional vessels by August 2008 to join the 10 CityCat vessels and 9 CityFerry vessels operating between 22 terminals from Bretts Wharf in Hamilton to University of Queensland in St Lucia.

Shorelink Buses

• Patronage increase of 9.5 per cent over last three years.

Mr Horninge told the Forum: “We work cooperatively with government to achieve these positive outcomes. Yarra Trams have become a strategic partner with the Victorian State government to further develop public transport in Melbourne.”

“It is the responsibility of Government to determine public transport services. Our role is to deliver those services efficiently, focussing on the key issues that matter to people who use public transport, including on-time running, safety, cleanliness, and superior customer service.”

“TransdevTSL’s Brisbane Ferries have consistently exceeded the key performance indicator expectations of Brisbane City Council.”

“Importantly, all these businesses are viable and provide long-term job security for our employees.”

“We have a strong focus on health and safety. Passenger and employee safety has improved through better training methods and the introduction of appropriate personal protective equipment.”

“We work closely with unions and our employees. Yarra Trams have an excellent relationship with the Victorian Rail Tram and Bus Union. Brisbane Ferries and Shorelink Buses have an excellent relationship with their unions, the Australian Workers Union and the Transport Workers Union respectively.”

Mr Horninge explained that TransdevTSL is a long-term partner in the provision of public transport services.

“Focussing on fleet replacement in isolation from operation and maintenance requirements will not provide a long-term solution for Sydney Ferries.

“The solution should include a review of the operating and maintenance regime of the business and any fleet replacement strategy should be considered as part of that review.”