The Victorian State Government has introduced new legislation before Parliament that will enable the formation of a new Public Transport Development Authority (PTDA).

 

The State Government expressed its confidence over the passage of the legislation, saying that the new authority would be operational in the first quarter of 2012.

 

The PTDA will be responsible for planning, coordinating and integrating public transport services throughout Victoria.

 

The authority will focus on the cornerstones on maintaining and building a high quality public transport system, focusing on punctuality, reliability, comfort of public transport as well as providing accurate passenger information.

 

The legislation introduced into Parliament will enable the PTDA to be created as a Transport System Agency under the Transport Integration Act 2010.

 

The primary objectives of the PTDA will be:

  • ensuring the public transport system operates as part of an integrated transport system which seeks to meet the customer service needs of all users;
  • managing the public transport system in a manner which supports a sustainable Victoria;
  • contributing to social wellbeing by providing access to opportunities and supporting liveable communities;
  • promoting economic prosperity through efficient and reliable movement of public transport users while also supporting rail freight services; and
  • improving the safety of public transport for passengers and staff.

 

The legislation is expected to be enacted by late October.