Liverpool-Parramatta T-way

Public transport infrastructure in Sydney|name=Liverpool-Parramatta T-way|logo=|transport_mode=Bus rapid transit line|line_owner=Ministry of Transport|map_colour=Blue|operation_area=Western Sydney|interchange_names=Liverpool
Parramatta|line_length=30 km|stations_number=35|operator_names=Western Sydney Buses|annual_passengers=41,500 per weekcite news
author = Jordan Baker
publisher = The Sydney Morning Herald
date = 2006-08-25
accessdate = 2007-01-04
url = http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/transports-vision-splendid-running-at-only-half-capacity/2006/08/24/1156012675629.html
title = Transport's vision splendid running at only half capacity ]
date_1=2003|event_1=OpenedThe Liverpool-Parramatta T-way is a bus rapid transit line in the western suburbs of Sydney, Australia. "T-way" is short for rapid bus transitway.

Route and services

The T-way links the railway stations at Parramatta and Liverpool via a series of bus-only roadways and bus lanes. Services along the T-way are operated by Western Sydney Buses, a unit of the State Transit Authority of New South Wales.

A long-awaited first step in a plan to improve public transport services in Sydney's western suburbs, the T-way initially failed to live up to expectations, carrying half the number of passengers expected. Patronage has increased significantly, with annual patronage increasing by 328,000 in 2006.cite news
author = Jordan Baker
publisher = Sydney Morning Herald
date = 2006-12-06
accessdate = 2007-07-22
title = "Bus use defended" ] A second line, the North-West T-way, opened in March 2007, linking Parramatta with Blacktown and Rouse Hill.

Design and construction

The T-way is a joint venture between the New South Wales Ministry of Transport and the Roads and Traffic Authority of New South Wales.

The line runs through the central business district of Parramatta, before heading onto the Great Western Highway to South Wentworthville, after which it heads onto its own alignment next to the Sydney Water pipeline that runs from Prospect reservoir. It then proceeds on its own alignment in an old freeway reservation through to Hoxton Park. At Brickmakers' Creek in Liverpool it heads onto its own alignment to the centre of Liverpool and the railway station bus interchange.

The T-way has 35 stations, spaced every 800 metres. Thee stations are more substantial than normal bus stops, which has led to criticism that the system is overly costly and vulnerable to vandalism. They stations have:
*closed circuit television cameras
*extensive lighting
*display screens that provide real-time information on arrival and departure times
*real-time digital information
*easy accessibility
*bicycle parking
*emergency help points
*landscaping
*plate glass walls.

ervices

Services on the T-way are numbered T80 and operated by Western Sydney Buses. In peak hours buses run every 10 minutes; at other times every 15-30 minutes;, late at night hourly. On Brisbane's Busway buses run as frequently as every 40 seconds.

Services were initially provided by 17 natural-gas powered buses in blue and yellow T-way livery. These have been replaced by Volvo Euro 3 diesel buses. All services are wheelchair-accessible and air-conditioned.

Liverpool–Parramatta stations

The Liverpool–Parramatta T-way serves Parramatta, Mays Hill, South Wentworthville, Merrylands West, Woodpark, Smithfield, Wetherill Park, Prairiewood, Busby, Cartwright, Miller, Prestons, Lurnea and Liverpool. There are two routes: most services stop at all stations;, with a limited service running only between Bonnyrigg and Parramatta. Stations are as follows:

T-ways in Sydney

T-ways were conceived as an alternative to commuter railway services because of their potential lower cost and higher flexibility. T-ways can be constructed without the need for a dedicated corridor or tunnel. Buses can join and leave the T-way along the route, giving the T-way a wider feeder area than rail.

T-ways are separate bus-only roads where undeveloped railway and motorway corridors are available, and as bus-only lanes on existing roads.

T-ways can be used only by rapid bus services, selected local bus services and emergency vehicles. Other motorists using a bus lane (except to turn or overtake) can be fined. There are other bus-only roads in Sydney, including at Moore Park and a dedicated roadway in the centre of the M2 Hills Motorway. Sydney has a large and expanding network of bus-only lanes on main roads.

External links

* [http://www.t-way.nsw.gov.au/ NSW Government T-way website]
* [http://www.131500.info/ Sydney public transport information]

References

*cite press release
title = Sydney’s New Rapid Bus T-way Makes its Debut Run
publisher = State Transit Authority of New South Wales
date = 2003-02-14
url = http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/news/media/2003/14-02-03-tway.pdf
accessdate = 2006-12-13
*cite web
title = Liverpool-Parramatta T-way
url=http://www.t-way.nsw.gov.au/lp-home.htm
accessdate = 2006-12-13