Strategic planning and public transport - a case study

This paper outlines the role of the State Transport Authority of South Australia in establishing a `vision' for the provision for public transport in Adelaide over the last few years and in changing the way that it goes about meeting the transport needs identified by this `vision'. The environment that the STA was facing prior to the commencement of its strategic change process is described along with the initiatives implemented to halt the decline in public transport usage and to provide more efficient public transport services. The paper includes a brief overview of the consultation mechanisms established to obtain better communication with public transport users, the market research undertaken to determine usage patterns and need areas, the restructuring of service provision by the STA and the union negotiations undertaken to improve efficiency and flexibility.