Residents have been promised they will ride in safety and comfort when a trial of on-demand public transport in Sutherland Shire starts in November.
The maximum time for a journey on the longest route will be 30 minutes, operator Transdev said.
Customers will be picked up from home or a nearby location in four zones covering Jannali West, Sylvania, Caringbah and Gymea, and taken to transport hubs or local shops.
There will be a standard fare of $2.60.
Customers will be able to book online, by phone or via an app on their smart device.
A Transdev spokesman said a fleet of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter transfer mini-buses would be customised to be fully accessible.
They would have driver assisted wheelchair accessibility system and customer access through an electronic side door.
“Safety features will include driver airbags, driver and passenger seatbelts, anti-lock braking system, electronic brake distribution system, traction control, illuminated exits (lighting), reverse camera, light and rain sensors, and emergency exit hammers,” he said.
“Vehicle comforts will include quality seating, carpeted flooring, free customer WiFi connectivity, USB ports for charging, 1900mm head clearance, soft side and headlining trim, and privacy glass.”
The spokesman said reservations would be possible up to half a day before the trip, and closer to the trip depending on available seats.
“Our team’s commitment will be to pick up customers from the desired address, within a 10-minute time slot,” he said.
“Customers will be informed by SMS when their vehicle is approaching.”
“Transdev’s smart routing software and technology, proven in the United States and Netherlands, will optimise travel times and routes so customers get from A to B as quickly as possible,” he said.
“We are currently finalising the four on-demand zones at Jannali West, Sylvania, Gymea and Caringbah and look forward to releasing detailed maps in September.
“We expect customers will spend a maximum of 30 minutes in the vehicle on the longest possible trips within the zones.”
Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance announced the shire as one of eight trial areas for the service, which “will transform the daily commute for people across Sydney”.
