Developer-Led Bus Services in Greenfield Areas – Characteristics and Opportunities

ABSTRACT Residents in new greenfield suburbs on the urban fringe often experience long delays in public transport provision leading to some developers choosing to fund and coordinate bus services themselves. This article reports on an investigation into this trend in Australia which uncovered ten such services which mostly offered direct connection to the nearest train station during peak periods. These were provided to improve the attractiveness and amenity of the estate. While such services are useful for early transport options, they are temporary and fairly limited and should be seen as a pathway to more comprehensive state-funded bus services.