A project seeking economics through patronage

"Whatever light rail project you look at, to achieve sustainable economics... you need patronage"
"It's kind of logical, people use the service only... if the value of the service is commensurate with the fare"

How does the project achieve adequate patronage?

  1. It drastically lowers costs and offers very low fares
  2. It generates unprecedented consumer utility and convenience

Low fare  ->

Through:-
  1. Lowest investment costs possible ($64M for the total operation). 
  2. Acceptable operating costs despite the inclusion of a high percentage of labour.
  3. Ongoing subsidy from council.

High utility ->

  1. Service every ...............5 minutes
  2. Full length travelling time........ 7 minutes
  3. Boarding time available ...........4 minutes
  4. Air-conditioned, sheltered waiting............Yes
  5. Save, 100% supervised environment ............ Yes
  6. Entertainment and merchandise available during wait and during trip........Yes

-> boosts patronage
For the project's assumed patronage see here

-> boosts patronage
"...with some help from Council it is actually profitable..."
The proposal is for a new style, fast delivery, light rail connection offering high frequencies. The non-segregated 1m gauge rail tracks are on the left side of the road with narrow refuge islands at the stops. At both ends it is spliced into single track loops. The self propelling  rail cars are battery driven and recharge during the long rest at the station.
The proposed system offers adequate economics has prodigious inbuilt capacity reserves. In the future it can be extended to a network.
The operating system allows for abundant time for boarding, safe and operator supervised/assisted. Maximum speed is 31km/h; less at critical point such as in the Eastwood mall. Other than the rigorous right of way for consists, the tracks area is available for the usual road participants.
Rail cars are owned and operated by licensed private small business operators who also collect fares The car operator ensures a vandal free environment, thus combining safety with cost saving. Revenue from ticket sales stay with the car operator.