The City takes some responsibility under its TravelSmart program to reduce car dependency and encourage patrons to access the stations by active travel modes.

Public Transport Authority (PTA) data from May 2009 shows Bull Creek and Murdoch bus/train interchanges have relatively high numbers of patrons (57 per cent each) arriving at the station without a car. This is compared to Mandurah (17 per cent), Cockburn (29 per cent), Joondalup (19 per cent) and Warwick (41 per cent).

Mayor Russell Aubrey said this was encouraging and reflected the efforts by the City of Melville to encourage active travel – though the City still needed to continue building on these results. “We urge residents to consider the personal benefits they can obtain by avoiding using their cars where possible and supporting more active travel modes, including in accessing the City’s stations. The City has instigated many TravelSmart initiatives, including the Canning Bridge SMARTi Program, designed to minimise traffic and parking issues in the area, through the provision of: free public transport fares, bicycles and health assessments; minor improvements to the path network; and the installation of improved signage,” he said.

However, TravelSmart Officer Leon Ebbelaar said the reality according to PTA information was that many public transport patrons drove very short distances to the interchanges. “Additionally, people accessing the stations – if not within walking or cycling distance – are often within 400m of a high-frequency bus route that runs direct to the station. I encourage residents to consider the incentives to access the station using active travel modes, including: saving time and money; enjoyment and health,” he said.

Anyone who would like to find out the distance and the best walking, cycling and public transport routes to their nearest station can contact TravelSmart Officer Leon Ebbelaar on 9364 0673.