Director of Public Transport
Encyclopedia
The Director of Public Transport (the Director or the DPT) is the Government agency
responsible for promoting, providing, coordinating and regulating public transport
in the State of Victoria
, Australia
. The DPT was created as a statutory office and is supported by officers of the Department of Transport
.
The key responsibilities of the Director centre on the entering into and management of franchising
contracts with train
, tram
and bus
companies to provide public transport
services in Melbourne
and Victoria
. The Director also has oversight of the Victorian Taxi Directorate which regulates the taxi
and hire car
industry in Victoria
. As part of his operational functions, the DPT also has responsibilities relating to public transport
planning and projects as well as the accreditation
of passenger transport companies for enforcement purposes and the appointment and management of authorised officers for enforcement activities across Victoria's public transport
system.
The most prominent responsibilities of the Director of Public Transport concern the contracting of transport operators to provide train
, tram
and bus
services in Melbourne
and Victoria
. Accordingly, the Director is responsible for procuring these services through operators and entering into and managing franchise
contracts. The current key franchise
contracts entered into by the Director relate to -
Train
and tram
services in Victoria
are governed by complex statutory, Government and commercial relationships. VicTrack
is the custodian of all rail
infrastructure and assets in Victoria
. VicTrack
leases these infrastructure and assets to the Director of Public Tranpsort through the Metropolitan Infrastructure Head Lease. The Director then sub-leases the assets to the metropolitan
train
and tram
operators through the Infrastructure Leases. The Director manages the rights and obligations contained in these leases on behalf of the State. The Director has also entered into franchise
agreements with the metropolitan train
and tram
operators that govern the provision of public transport
passenger
services. The franchise
agreements specify a range of operational and service requirements that are administered and managed by the Director.
In relation to regional
train
services operated by V/Line Corporation
, similar arrangements have been entered into with VicTrack
and the Director. VicTrack
leases the regional
train
infrastructure and assets to the Director, who then sub leases these assets to V/Line Corporation
under the Regional Infrastructure Lease. Similarly, the Director and V/Line Corporation
have entered into a franchise
agreement
which governs the operational and service requirements for regional
train
services.
of taxi and hire car services in Victoria
. A specialised Branch of the DPT is known as the Victorian Taxi Directorate (VTD) and conducts these services under delegation
from the Director. The office of the Director, again through the VTD, is also responsible for the accreditation
of commercial passenger vehicle drivers. These responsibilities are conferred by delegation from the Secretary of the Department of Transport and will ultimately be assumed by the recently created Taxi Services Commission once it completes work on the current Taxi Industry Inquiry
.
of passenger transport
companies for enforcement purposes and the appointment and management of authorised officers for enforcement across the public transport
system. The Director also has accountability for regulating the appointment and activities of driving instructors and administering a compensation
scheme for traumatised train drivers.
. The Director effectively took over responsibility for public transport
in Victoria
from the former Public Transport Corporation
on 24 August 1999.
The Rail Corporations (Further Amendment) Act inserted provisions into the then Transport Act 1983 to create the office and its functions and powers. The office of the DPT has since been re-established under the Transport Integration Act 2010
.
provided the Director of Public Transport with new objects, functions and powers as of 1 July 2010.
provides that the primary object of the Director of Public Transport is to "...provide, operate and maintain the public transport system...". Other notable objects of the Director include -
The functions of the Director of Public Transport include -
, contracting, rolling stock
, tree clearance, breaking up roads, installing stopping places, closure of level crossings, stopping of traffic
, etc.
. The Department of Transport
(DOT) oversees and coordinates the activities of the agencies which can be divided into three main types - statutory offices, statutory authorities and independent transport safety agencies. Together with DOT, the agencies provide, manage and regulate transport system activities in Victoria
including -
These agencies are part of the Department of Transport
but each has a distinct statutory charter and powers.
These agencies are structurally separate from the Department of Transport
.
These agencies are part of the Department of Transport
but are functionally independent and report to the relevant Ministers.
Major changes to the Director's responsibilities are underway due to decisions of the Victorian Government. The recent Transport Legislation Amendment (Taxi Services Reform and Other Matters) Act 2011 removed direct responsibility for taxi and small commercial passenger vehicle services and conferred it on the Secretary of the Department of Transport. This is essentially a transitional step before those activities are assumed by the Taxi Services Commission
established by that Act. The Commission will take over regulatory control once it completes the current Taxi Industry Inquiry
. More broadly, the Director's responsibility for the provision of train, tram and bus services across Victoria are likely to transfer soon to the proposed Public Transport Development Authority
.
The Government has indicated that the authority will plan, co-ordinate, manage and administer metropolitan trams, buses and trains, regional trains and buses, replacing the current structure of multiple agencies. The body is expected to be fully established in mid 2011. Planning for the Melbourne Airport, Rowville and Doncaster rail lines may be overseen by the new transport authority. The authority may also contain a "High-Speed Rail Advocacy Unit"..
and the establishment of a Taxi Services Commission (TSC). The inquiry is headed by Professor Allan Fels
and is underway. The TSC was announced as the successor to the current taxi industry regulator, the Victorian Taxi Directorate (part of the office of the Director of Public Transport), with the change of power to occur once the inquiry concludes. Legislation to this effect - a Transport Legislation Amendment (Taxi Services Reform and Other Amendments) Act 2011 - was passed in late June thereby the Taxi Services Commission. The statute provided the Commission with sufficient powers to conduct the current Taxi Industry Inquiry and to eventually become Victoria's taxi and small commercial passenger vehicles regulator.
and for commuting
.
Government agency
A government or state agency is a permanent or semi-permanent organization in the machinery of government that is responsible for the oversight and administration of specific functions, such as an intelligence agency. There is a notable variety of agency types...
responsible for promoting, providing, coordinating and regulating public transport
Public transport
Public transport is a shared passenger transportation service which is available for use by the general public, as distinct from modes such as taxicab, car pooling or hired buses which are not shared by strangers without private arrangement.Public transport modes include buses, trolleybuses, trams...
in the State of Victoria
Victoria (Australia)
Victoria is the second most populous state in Australia. Geographically the smallest mainland state, Victoria is bordered by New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania on Boundary Islet to the north, west and south respectively....
, Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
. The DPT was created as a statutory office and is supported by officers of the Department of Transport
Department of Transport (Victoria, Australia)
The Department of Transport or DOT is the central Government agency responsible for the coordination, integration and regulation of the transport system in the State of Victoria, Australia...
.
The key responsibilities of the Director centre on the entering into and management of franchising
Franchising
Franchising is the practice of using another firm's successful business model. The word 'franchise' is of anglo-French derivation - from franc- meaning free, and is used both as a noun and as a verb....
contracts with train
Train
A train is a connected series of vehicles for rail transport that move along a track to transport cargo or passengers from one place to another place. The track usually consists of two rails, but might also be a monorail or maglev guideway.Propulsion for the train is provided by a separate...
, tram
Tram
A tram is a passenger rail vehicle which runs on tracks along public urban streets and also sometimes on separate rights of way. It may also run between cities and/or towns , and/or partially grade separated even in the cities...
and bus
Bus
A bus is a road vehicle designed to carry passengers. Buses can have a capacity as high as 300 passengers. The most common type of bus is the single-decker bus, with larger loads carried by double-decker buses and articulated buses, and smaller loads carried by midibuses and minibuses; coaches are...
companies to provide public transport
Public transport
Public transport is a shared passenger transportation service which is available for use by the general public, as distinct from modes such as taxicab, car pooling or hired buses which are not shared by strangers without private arrangement.Public transport modes include buses, trolleybuses, trams...
services in Melbourne
Melbourne
Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater...
and Victoria
Victoria (Australia)
Victoria is the second most populous state in Australia. Geographically the smallest mainland state, Victoria is bordered by New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania on Boundary Islet to the north, west and south respectively....
. The Director also has oversight of the Victorian Taxi Directorate which regulates the taxi
Taxicab
A taxicab, also taxi or cab, is a type of vehicle for hire with a driver, used by a single passenger or small group of passengers, often for a non-shared ride. A taxicab conveys passengers between locations of their choice...
and hire car
Limousine
A limousine is a luxury sedan or saloon car, especially one with a lengthened wheelbase or driven by a chauffeur. The chassis of a limousine may have been extended by the manufacturer or by an independent coachbuilder. These are called "stretch" limousines and are traditionally black or white....
industry in Victoria
Victoria (Australia)
Victoria is the second most populous state in Australia. Geographically the smallest mainland state, Victoria is bordered by New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania on Boundary Islet to the north, west and south respectively....
. As part of his operational functions, the DPT also has responsibilities relating to public transport
Public transport
Public transport is a shared passenger transportation service which is available for use by the general public, as distinct from modes such as taxicab, car pooling or hired buses which are not shared by strangers without private arrangement.Public transport modes include buses, trolleybuses, trams...
planning and projects as well as the accreditation
Accreditation
Accreditation is a process in which certification of competency, authority, or credibility is presented.Organizations that issue credentials or certify third parties against official standards are themselves formally accredited by accreditation bodies ; hence they are sometimes known as "accredited...
of passenger transport companies for enforcement purposes and the appointment and management of authorised officers for enforcement activities across Victoria's public transport
Public transport
Public transport is a shared passenger transportation service which is available for use by the general public, as distinct from modes such as taxicab, car pooling or hired buses which are not shared by strangers without private arrangement.Public transport modes include buses, trolleybuses, trams...
system.
Trains, trams and buses
Train
A train is a connected series of vehicles for rail transport that move along a track to transport cargo or passengers from one place to another place. The track usually consists of two rails, but might also be a monorail or maglev guideway.Propulsion for the train is provided by a separate...
, tram
Tram
A tram is a passenger rail vehicle which runs on tracks along public urban streets and also sometimes on separate rights of way. It may also run between cities and/or towns , and/or partially grade separated even in the cities...
and bus
Bus
A bus is a road vehicle designed to carry passengers. Buses can have a capacity as high as 300 passengers. The most common type of bus is the single-decker bus, with larger loads carried by double-decker buses and articulated buses, and smaller loads carried by midibuses and minibuses; coaches are...
services in Melbourne
Melbourne
Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater...
and Victoria
Victoria (Australia)
Victoria is the second most populous state in Australia. Geographically the smallest mainland state, Victoria is bordered by New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania on Boundary Islet to the north, west and south respectively....
. Accordingly, the Director is responsible for procuring these services through operators and entering into and managing franchise
Franchising
Franchising is the practice of using another firm's successful business model. The word 'franchise' is of anglo-French derivation - from franc- meaning free, and is used both as a noun and as a verb....
contracts. The current key franchise
Franchise
Franchise generally means a right or privilege. It may refer to:*Suffrage, the civil right to vote*Franchising, a business method that involves licensing of trademarks and methods of doing business, such as:...
contracts entered into by the Director relate to -
- Trains in MelbourneRailways in MelbourneThe Melbourne rail network is operated by Metro Trains Melbourne under franchise from the Government of Victoria. The network is based on a commuter rail model centred on the Melbourne Central Business District and Flinders Street Station, rather than a rapid transit model, with a focus on...
(contract with Metro Trains MelbourneMetro Trains MelbourneMetro Trains Melbourne is the current franchise operator of the suburban railway network of Melbourne, Australia. Metro Trains Melbourne is a joint venture led by Hong Kong based MTR Corporation together with John Holland Group and United Group Rail .Metro Trains Melbourne operates a fleet of 381...
)- these services cover the provision of suburban railRailRail or rails may refer to:Railway transportation* A generic term for railroads, railways, rail transport, and related matters* Rail tracks, or railway lines, the running surface of a railway...
services in MelbourneMelbourneMelbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater... - Trams in MelbourneTrams in MelbourneThe Melbourne tramway network is a major form of public transport in Melbourne, the capital city of the state of Victoria, Australia. , the network consisted of of track, 487 trams, 28 routes, and 1,773 tram stops. It was therefore the largest urban tramway network in the world, ahead of the...
(with KDR MelbourneKDR MelbourneKDR Melbourne is a consortium led by Keolis & Downer EDI Rail that was selected by the State Government of Victoria as the franchise operator of Melbourne's tram network. Taking over from previous operator Yarra Trams, the company was awarded an eight-year contract which commenced on 30 November...
) - these services cover the provision of suburban tramTramA tram is a passenger rail vehicle which runs on tracks along public urban streets and also sometimes on separate rights of way. It may also run between cities and/or towns , and/or partially grade separated even in the cities...
and light railLight railLight rail or light rail transit is a form of urban rail public transportation that generally has a lower capacity and lower speed than heavy rail and metro systems, but higher capacity and higher speed than traditional street-running tram systems...
services in MelbourneMelbourneMelbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater... - Trains in regional VictoriaRail transport in VictoriaRail transport in Victoria, Australia, is provided by a number of railway operators who operate over the government-owned railway lines. Victorian lines use broad gauge, with the exception of a number of standard gauge freight and interstate lines, a few experimental narrow gauge lines, and...
(with V/Line CorporationV/LineV/Line is a not for profit regional passenger train and coach service in Victoria, Australia. It was created after the split-up of VicRail in 1983. V/Line is owned by the V/Line Corporation which is a Victorian State Government statutory authority...
) - these services cover the provision of trainTrainA train is a connected series of vehicles for rail transport that move along a track to transport cargo or passengers from one place to another place. The track usually consists of two rails, but might also be a monorail or maglev guideway.Propulsion for the train is provided by a separate...
services in country and regional VictoriaVictoria (Australia)Victoria is the second most populous state in Australia. Geographically the smallest mainland state, Victoria is bordered by New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania on Boundary Islet to the north, west and south respectively.... - Bus services in MelbourneBuses in MelbourneBuses in Melbourne, Australia, are a major form of public transport in Melbourne, with an extensive bus network. The network of 323 bus routes is operated by a number of privately owned bus companies....
and wider Victoria including school bus services (with a wide variety of bus operators)
Train
Train
A train is a connected series of vehicles for rail transport that move along a track to transport cargo or passengers from one place to another place. The track usually consists of two rails, but might also be a monorail or maglev guideway.Propulsion for the train is provided by a separate...
and tram
Tram
A tram is a passenger rail vehicle which runs on tracks along public urban streets and also sometimes on separate rights of way. It may also run between cities and/or towns , and/or partially grade separated even in the cities...
services in Victoria
Victoria (Australia)
Victoria is the second most populous state in Australia. Geographically the smallest mainland state, Victoria is bordered by New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania on Boundary Islet to the north, west and south respectively....
are governed by complex statutory, Government and commercial relationships. VicTrack
VicTrack
VicTrack is the Victorian Government agency which owns all railway and tram lines, associated rail lands and other related rail-related infrastructure in the state of Victoria, Australia....
is the custodian of all rail
Rail
Rail or rails may refer to:Railway transportation* A generic term for railroads, railways, rail transport, and related matters* Rail tracks, or railway lines, the running surface of a railway...
infrastructure and assets in Victoria
Victoria (Australia)
Victoria is the second most populous state in Australia. Geographically the smallest mainland state, Victoria is bordered by New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania on Boundary Islet to the north, west and south respectively....
. VicTrack
VicTrack
VicTrack is the Victorian Government agency which owns all railway and tram lines, associated rail lands and other related rail-related infrastructure in the state of Victoria, Australia....
leases these infrastructure and assets to the Director of Public Tranpsort through the Metropolitan Infrastructure Head Lease. The Director then sub-leases the assets to the metropolitan
Metropolitan
Metropolitan may refer to:* A metropolis* A metropolitan area* A metropole, "mother country", or central part of a colonizing state* Metropolitan bishop or archbishop, leader of an ecclesiastical "mother see"...
train
Train
A train is a connected series of vehicles for rail transport that move along a track to transport cargo or passengers from one place to another place. The track usually consists of two rails, but might also be a monorail or maglev guideway.Propulsion for the train is provided by a separate...
and tram
Tram
A tram is a passenger rail vehicle which runs on tracks along public urban streets and also sometimes on separate rights of way. It may also run between cities and/or towns , and/or partially grade separated even in the cities...
operators through the Infrastructure Leases. The Director manages the rights and obligations contained in these leases on behalf of the State. The Director has also entered into franchise
Franchise
Franchise generally means a right or privilege. It may refer to:*Suffrage, the civil right to vote*Franchising, a business method that involves licensing of trademarks and methods of doing business, such as:...
agreements with the metropolitan train
Train
A train is a connected series of vehicles for rail transport that move along a track to transport cargo or passengers from one place to another place. The track usually consists of two rails, but might also be a monorail or maglev guideway.Propulsion for the train is provided by a separate...
and tram
Tram
A tram is a passenger rail vehicle which runs on tracks along public urban streets and also sometimes on separate rights of way. It may also run between cities and/or towns , and/or partially grade separated even in the cities...
operators that govern the provision of public transport
Public transport
Public transport is a shared passenger transportation service which is available for use by the general public, as distinct from modes such as taxicab, car pooling or hired buses which are not shared by strangers without private arrangement.Public transport modes include buses, trolleybuses, trams...
passenger
Passenger
A passenger is a term broadly used to describe any person who travels in a vehicle, but bears little or no responsibility for the tasks required for that vehicle to arrive at its destination....
services. The franchise
Franchise
Franchise generally means a right or privilege. It may refer to:*Suffrage, the civil right to vote*Franchising, a business method that involves licensing of trademarks and methods of doing business, such as:...
agreements specify a range of operational and service requirements that are administered and managed by the Director.
In relation to regional
Régional
Régional Compagnie Aérienne Européenne, or Régional for short, is a subsidiary airline wholly owned by Air France which connects hubs at Paris, Lyon, Clermont-Ferrand, and Bordeaux to 49 airports in Europe. The airline operates in Air France livery, retaining its name in small titles and logo on...
train
Train
A train is a connected series of vehicles for rail transport that move along a track to transport cargo or passengers from one place to another place. The track usually consists of two rails, but might also be a monorail or maglev guideway.Propulsion for the train is provided by a separate...
services operated by V/Line Corporation
V/Line
V/Line is a not for profit regional passenger train and coach service in Victoria, Australia. It was created after the split-up of VicRail in 1983. V/Line is owned by the V/Line Corporation which is a Victorian State Government statutory authority...
, similar arrangements have been entered into with VicTrack
VicTrack
VicTrack is the Victorian Government agency which owns all railway and tram lines, associated rail lands and other related rail-related infrastructure in the state of Victoria, Australia....
and the Director. VicTrack
VicTrack
VicTrack is the Victorian Government agency which owns all railway and tram lines, associated rail lands and other related rail-related infrastructure in the state of Victoria, Australia....
leases the regional
Régional
Régional Compagnie Aérienne Européenne, or Régional for short, is a subsidiary airline wholly owned by Air France which connects hubs at Paris, Lyon, Clermont-Ferrand, and Bordeaux to 49 airports in Europe. The airline operates in Air France livery, retaining its name in small titles and logo on...
train
Train
A train is a connected series of vehicles for rail transport that move along a track to transport cargo or passengers from one place to another place. The track usually consists of two rails, but might also be a monorail or maglev guideway.Propulsion for the train is provided by a separate...
infrastructure and assets to the Director, who then sub leases these assets to V/Line Corporation
V/Line
V/Line is a not for profit regional passenger train and coach service in Victoria, Australia. It was created after the split-up of VicRail in 1983. V/Line is owned by the V/Line Corporation which is a Victorian State Government statutory authority...
under the Regional Infrastructure Lease. Similarly, the Director and V/Line Corporation
V/Line
V/Line is a not for profit regional passenger train and coach service in Victoria, Australia. It was created after the split-up of VicRail in 1983. V/Line is owned by the V/Line Corporation which is a Victorian State Government statutory authority...
have entered into a franchise
Franchise
Franchise generally means a right or privilege. It may refer to:*Suffrage, the civil right to vote*Franchising, a business method that involves licensing of trademarks and methods of doing business, such as:...
agreement
Agreement
Agreement may refer to:* Agreement or concord, cross-reference between parts of a phrase* Gentlemen's agreement, not enforceable by law* Contract, enforceable in a court of law...
which governs the operational and service requirements for regional
Régional
Régional Compagnie Aérienne Européenne, or Régional for short, is a subsidiary airline wholly owned by Air France which connects hubs at Paris, Lyon, Clermont-Ferrand, and Bordeaux to 49 airports in Europe. The airline operates in Air France livery, retaining its name in small titles and logo on...
train
Train
A train is a connected series of vehicles for rail transport that move along a track to transport cargo or passengers from one place to another place. The track usually consists of two rails, but might also be a monorail or maglev guideway.Propulsion for the train is provided by a separate...
services.
Taxis and hire cars
The Director of Public Transport is currently the regulatorRegulator
Regulator may refer to:*Regulator , a device that maintains a designated characteristic**Battery regulator**Pressure regulator**Diving regulator**Voltage regulator...
of taxi and hire car services in Victoria
Victoria (Australia)
Victoria is the second most populous state in Australia. Geographically the smallest mainland state, Victoria is bordered by New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania on Boundary Islet to the north, west and south respectively....
. A specialised Branch of the DPT is known as the Victorian Taxi Directorate (VTD) and conducts these services under delegation
Delegation
Delegation is the assignment of authority and responsibility to another person to carry out specific activities. However the person who delegated the work remains accountable for the outcome of the delegated work. Delegation empowers a subordinate to make decisions, i.e...
from the Director. The office of the Director, again through the VTD, is also responsible for the accreditation
Accreditation
Accreditation is a process in which certification of competency, authority, or credibility is presented.Organizations that issue credentials or certify third parties against official standards are themselves formally accredited by accreditation bodies ; hence they are sometimes known as "accredited...
of commercial passenger vehicle drivers. These responsibilities are conferred by delegation from the Secretary of the Department of Transport and will ultimately be assumed by the recently created Taxi Services Commission once it completes work on the current Taxi Industry Inquiry
Taxi Industry Inquiry
The Taxi Industry Inquiry is an inquiry being conducted in the State of Victoria, Australia by the Taxi Services Commission into the taxi industry and taxi services in that State. The Inquiry is headed by Professor Allan Fels, the former head of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission...
.
Other responsibilities
The Director is also charged with the accreditationAccreditation
Accreditation is a process in which certification of competency, authority, or credibility is presented.Organizations that issue credentials or certify third parties against official standards are themselves formally accredited by accreditation bodies ; hence they are sometimes known as "accredited...
of passenger transport
Transport
Transport or transportation is the movement of people, cattle, animals and goods from one location to another. Modes of transport include air, rail, road, water, cable, pipeline, and space. The field can be divided into infrastructure, vehicles, and operations...
companies for enforcement purposes and the appointment and management of authorised officers for enforcement across the public transport
Public transport
Public transport is a shared passenger transportation service which is available for use by the general public, as distinct from modes such as taxicab, car pooling or hired buses which are not shared by strangers without private arrangement.Public transport modes include buses, trolleybuses, trams...
system. The Director also has accountability for regulating the appointment and activities of driving instructors and administering a compensation
Compensation
Compensation can refer to:*Financial compensation, various meanings*Compensation , various advantages a player has in exchange for a disadvantage*Compensation *Compensation , by Ralph Waldo Emerson...
scheme for traumatised train drivers.
Establishment
The office of the Director of Public Transport was established in 1999 following the passage of the Rail Corporations (Further Amendment) Act 1998 through the Victorian ParliamentParliament of Victoria
The Parliament of Victoria is the bicameral legislature of the Australian state of Victoria. It follows a Westminster-derived parliamentary system and consists of The Queen, represented by the Governor of Victoria; the Legislative Council ; and the Legislative Assembly...
. The Director effectively took over responsibility for public transport
Public transport
Public transport is a shared passenger transportation service which is available for use by the general public, as distinct from modes such as taxicab, car pooling or hired buses which are not shared by strangers without private arrangement.Public transport modes include buses, trolleybuses, trams...
in Victoria
Victoria (Australia)
Victoria is the second most populous state in Australia. Geographically the smallest mainland state, Victoria is bordered by New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania on Boundary Islet to the north, west and south respectively....
from the former Public Transport Corporation
Public Transport Corporation
The Public Transport Corporation was a State Government of Victoria owned corporate body formed under the Transport Act 1983 which operated passenger and freight trains, trams and bus services in Victoria, Australia....
on 24 August 1999.
The Rail Corporations (Further Amendment) Act inserted provisions into the then Transport Act 1983 to create the office and its functions and powers. The office of the DPT has since been re-established under the Transport Integration Act 2010
Transport Integration Act
The Transport Integration Act 2010 is a law enacted by the Parliament of the State of Victoria, Australia. The Act is the prime transport statute in Victoria, having replaced major parts of the former Transport Act 1983....
.
Transport Integration Act
The Transport Integration ActTransport Integration Act
The Transport Integration Act 2010 is a law enacted by the Parliament of the State of Victoria, Australia. The Act is the prime transport statute in Victoria, having replaced major parts of the former Transport Act 1983....
provided the Director of Public Transport with new objects, functions and powers as of 1 July 2010.
Objects
The Transport Integration ActTransport Integration Act
The Transport Integration Act 2010 is a law enacted by the Parliament of the State of Victoria, Australia. The Act is the prime transport statute in Victoria, having replaced major parts of the former Transport Act 1983....
provides that the primary object of the Director of Public Transport is to "...provide, operate and maintain the public transport system...". Other notable objects of the Director include -
- ensuring, in collaboration with other transportTransportTransport or transportation is the movement of people, cattle, animals and goods from one location to another. Modes of transport include air, rail, road, water, cable, pipeline, and space. The field can be divided into infrastructure, vehicles, and operations...
bodies and public entities, that public transportPublic transportPublic transport is a shared passenger transportation service which is available for use by the general public, as distinct from modes such as taxicab, car pooling or hired buses which are not shared by strangers without private arrangement.Public transport modes include buses, trolleybuses, trams...
operates as part of an integrated transport system which seeks to meet the needs of all transport system users - managing public transportPublic transportPublic transport is a shared passenger transportation service which is available for use by the general public, as distinct from modes such as taxicab, car pooling or hired buses which are not shared by strangers without private arrangement.Public transport modes include buses, trolleybuses, trams...
in a manner which supports sustainability by seeking to increase the share of public transportPublic transportPublic transport is a shared passenger transportation service which is available for use by the general public, as distinct from modes such as taxicab, car pooling or hired buses which are not shared by strangers without private arrangement.Public transport modes include buses, trolleybuses, trams...
trips as a proportion of all transport trips in VictoriaVictoria (Australia)Victoria is the second most populous state in Australia. Geographically the smallest mainland state, Victoria is bordered by New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania on Boundary Islet to the north, west and south respectively.... - seeking to improve the environmental performance of public transportPublic transportPublic transport is a shared passenger transportation service which is available for use by the general public, as distinct from modes such as taxicab, car pooling or hired buses which are not shared by strangers without private arrangement.Public transport modes include buses, trolleybuses, trams...
including by minimising its adverse environmental impacts - contributing to social wellbeing by providing access to opportunities and supporting liveable communities
- promoting economic prosperity through efficient and reliable movement of public transportPublic transportPublic transport is a shared passenger transportation service which is available for use by the general public, as distinct from modes such as taxicab, car pooling or hired buses which are not shared by strangers without private arrangement.Public transport modes include buses, trolleybuses, trams...
users while also supporting railRailRail or rails may refer to:Railway transportation* A generic term for railroads, railways, rail transport, and related matters* Rail tracks, or railway lines, the running surface of a railway...
freight services - improving the safetySafetySafety is the state of being "safe" , the condition of being protected against physical, social, spiritual, financial, political, emotional, occupational, psychological, educational or other types or consequences of failure, damage, error, accidents, harm or any other event which could be...
of public transportPublic transportPublic transport is a shared passenger transportation service which is available for use by the general public, as distinct from modes such as taxicab, car pooling or hired buses which are not shared by strangers without private arrangement.Public transport modes include buses, trolleybuses, trams...
for public transport users.
Functions
- constructing, maintaining or varying public transportPublic transportPublic transport is a shared passenger transportation service which is available for use by the general public, as distinct from modes such as taxicab, car pooling or hired buses which are not shared by strangers without private arrangement.Public transport modes include buses, trolleybuses, trams...
infrastructureInfrastructureInfrastructure is basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society or enterprise, or the services and facilities necessary for an economy to function... - planning for the public transportPublic transportPublic transport is a shared passenger transportation service which is available for use by the general public, as distinct from modes such as taxicab, car pooling or hired buses which are not shared by strangers without private arrangement.Public transport modes include buses, trolleybuses, trams...
system - providing, operating or facilitating public transportPublic transportPublic transport is a shared passenger transportation service which is available for use by the general public, as distinct from modes such as taxicab, car pooling or hired buses which are not shared by strangers without private arrangement.Public transport modes include buses, trolleybuses, trams...
including by entering or managing contracts for public transportPublic transportPublic transport is a shared passenger transportation service which is available for use by the general public, as distinct from modes such as taxicab, car pooling or hired buses which are not shared by strangers without private arrangement.Public transport modes include buses, trolleybuses, trams...
services and purchasing and maintaining rolling stockRolling stockRolling stock comprises all the vehicles that move on a railway. It usually includes both powered and unpowered vehicles, for example locomotives, railroad cars, coaches and wagons... - developing policies and strategies to improve safety and security on the public transportPublic transportPublic transport is a shared passenger transportation service which is available for use by the general public, as distinct from modes such as taxicab, car pooling or hired buses which are not shared by strangers without private arrangement.Public transport modes include buses, trolleybuses, trams...
system - developing and implementing policies, plans and guidelines
- providing licensing and accreditationAccreditationAccreditation is a process in which certification of competency, authority, or credibility is presented.Organizations that issue credentials or certify third parties against official standards are themselves formally accredited by accreditation bodies ; hence they are sometimes known as "accredited...
services - monitoringMonitoringTo monitor or monitoring generally means to be aware of the state of a system. Below are specific examples:* to observe a situation for any changes which may occur over time, using a monitor or measuring device of some sort:...
and reporting on contractual performance.
Powers
The general and specific powers of the Director of Public Transport include a broad range of powers in relation to landReal property
In English Common Law, real property, real estate, realty, or immovable property is any subset of land that has been legally defined and the improvements to it made by human efforts: any buildings, machinery, wells, dams, ponds, mines, canals, roads, various property rights, and so forth...
, contracting, rolling stock
Rolling stock
Rolling stock comprises all the vehicles that move on a railway. It usually includes both powered and unpowered vehicles, for example locomotives, railroad cars, coaches and wagons...
, tree clearance, breaking up roads, installing stopping places, closure of level crossings, stopping of traffic
Traffic
Traffic on roads may consist of pedestrians, ridden or herded animals, vehicles, streetcars and other conveyances, either singly or together, while using the public way for purposes of travel...
, etc.
Other Victorian transport agencies
There are a range of State agencies responsible for the transport system in VictoriaVictoria (Australia)
Victoria is the second most populous state in Australia. Geographically the smallest mainland state, Victoria is bordered by New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania on Boundary Islet to the north, west and south respectively....
. The Department of Transport
Department of Transport (Victoria, Australia)
The Department of Transport or DOT is the central Government agency responsible for the coordination, integration and regulation of the transport system in the State of Victoria, Australia...
(DOT) oversees and coordinates the activities of the agencies which can be divided into three main types - statutory offices, statutory authorities and independent transport safety agencies. Together with DOT, the agencies provide, manage and regulate transport system activities in Victoria
Victoria (Australia)
Victoria is the second most populous state in Australia. Geographically the smallest mainland state, Victoria is bordered by New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania on Boundary Islet to the north, west and south respectively....
including -
- heavy and light rail systems including trains and trams
- roads systems and vehicles including carsCARSCars, or automobiles, motor cars, are wheeled motor vehicles used for transporting passengers.Cars or CARS may also refer to:-Entertainment:* Cars , a Disney/Pixar film series...
, trucks and bicycles - ports and waterways including commercial ships and recreational vesselsShipSince the end of the age of sail a ship has been any large buoyant marine vessel. Ships are generally distinguished from boats based on size and cargo or passenger capacity. Ships are used on lakes, seas, and rivers for a variety of activities, such as the transport of people or goods, fishing,...
- some air transport systems.
Statutory offices
The statutory offices include -- the Director of Public Transport
- the Transport Infrastructure Development Agent.
These agencies are part of the Department of Transport
Department of Transport (Victoria, Australia)
The Department of Transport or DOT is the central Government agency responsible for the coordination, integration and regulation of the transport system in the State of Victoria, Australia...
but each has a distinct statutory charter and powers.
Statutory authorities
The statutory authorities are -- the Roads Corporation (VicRoads)VicRoadsVicRoads or the Roads Corporation of Victoria is a statutory corporation which is the state road and traffic authority in the state of Victoria, Australia. It is responsible for maintenance and construction of the state arterial road network, as well as driver licensing and vehicle registration. ...
- Victorian Rail Track (VicTrack)VicTrackVicTrack is the Victorian Government agency which owns all railway and tram lines, associated rail lands and other related rail-related infrastructure in the state of Victoria, Australia....
- V/Line Corporation (V/Line)V/LineV/Line is a not for profit regional passenger train and coach service in Victoria, Australia. It was created after the split-up of VicRail in 1983. V/Line is owned by the V/Line Corporation which is a Victorian State Government statutory authority...
- Taxi Services CommissionTaxi Services CommissionThe Taxi Services Commission is the independent Government agency responsible for conducting a major inquiry, the Taxi Industry Inquiry, into taxi and other small commercial passenger vehicle services in the State of Victoria, Australia...
- the Linking Melbourne Authority
- the Port of Melbourne CorporationPort of Melbourne CorporationThe Port of Melbourne Corporation is a statutory body established by the Victorian Government. The Corporation commenced operations on 1 July 2003, when it took over the management of the Port of Melbourne from Melbourne Port Corporation...
- the Victorian Regional Channels Authority
- the Transport Ticketing Authority
- the Regional Rail Link Authority.
These agencies are structurally separate from the Department of Transport
Department of Transport (Victoria, Australia)
The Department of Transport or DOT is the central Government agency responsible for the coordination, integration and regulation of the transport system in the State of Victoria, Australia...
.
Independent transport safety agencies
The independent transport safety agencies are -- the Director, Transport Safety (Transport Safety Victoria)Director, Transport SafetyThe Director, Transport Safety is the independent Government agency responsible for rail, bus and marine safety in the State of Victoria, Australia. The position was created as a statutory office by the Transport Integration Act 2010...
- the Chief Investigator, Transport SafetyChief Investigator, Transport SafetyThe Chief Investigator, Transport Safety is the independent Government agency responsible for investigation of safety-related trends and incidents in the rail, bus and marine industries in the State of Victoria, Australia. The position was created as a statutory office by the Transport...
.
These agencies are part of the Department of Transport
Department of Transport (Victoria, Australia)
The Department of Transport or DOT is the central Government agency responsible for the coordination, integration and regulation of the transport system in the State of Victoria, Australia...
but are functionally independent and report to the relevant Ministers.
Current developments
Taxi Services Commission
The Taxi Services Commission is the independent Government agency responsible for conducting a major inquiry, the Taxi Industry Inquiry, into taxi and other small commercial passenger vehicle services in the State of Victoria, Australia...
established by that Act. The Commission will take over regulatory control once it completes the current Taxi Industry Inquiry
Taxi Industry Inquiry
The Taxi Industry Inquiry is an inquiry being conducted in the State of Victoria, Australia by the Taxi Services Commission into the taxi industry and taxi services in that State. The Inquiry is headed by Professor Allan Fels, the former head of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission...
. More broadly, the Director's responsibility for the provision of train, tram and bus services across Victoria are likely to transfer soon to the proposed Public Transport Development Authority
Victorian Public Transport Development Authority
Victorian Public Transport Development Authority is the independent body that will corodinate all aspects of an integrated transport system in Victoria, Australia....
.
Public Transport Development Authority
A key policy of the Government leading into the election was to create a Public Transport Development Authority (PTDA). The Government has positioned the VTDA as an agency which will be independent and which will coordinate all aspects of public transport in Victoria.The Government has indicated that the authority will plan, co-ordinate, manage and administer metropolitan trams, buses and trains, regional trains and buses, replacing the current structure of multiple agencies. The body is expected to be fully established in mid 2011. Planning for the Melbourne Airport, Rowville and Doncaster rail lines may be overseen by the new transport authority. The authority may also contain a "High-Speed Rail Advocacy Unit"..
Taxi Services Commission
The Government has announced a Taxi Industry InquiryTaxi Industry Inquiry
The Taxi Industry Inquiry is an inquiry being conducted in the State of Victoria, Australia by the Taxi Services Commission into the taxi industry and taxi services in that State. The Inquiry is headed by Professor Allan Fels, the former head of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission...
and the establishment of a Taxi Services Commission (TSC). The inquiry is headed by Professor Allan Fels
Allan Fels
Professor Allan Fels is an Australian economist, lawyer and public servant. He was most widely known in his role as chairman of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission from its inception in 1995 until 30 June 2003...
and is underway. The TSC was announced as the successor to the current taxi industry regulator, the Victorian Taxi Directorate (part of the office of the Director of Public Transport), with the change of power to occur once the inquiry concludes. Legislation to this effect - a Transport Legislation Amendment (Taxi Services Reform and Other Amendments) Act 2011 - was passed in late June thereby the Taxi Services Commission. The statute provided the Commission with sufficient powers to conduct the current Taxi Industry Inquiry and to eventually become Victoria's taxi and small commercial passenger vehicles regulator.
See also
Melbourne has an extensive network of bicycle paths and bicycle lanes on roads. These paths are used for both recreationRecreation
Recreation is an activity of leisure, leisure being discretionary time. The "need to do something for recreation" is an essential element of human biology and psychology. Recreational activities are often done for enjoyment, amusement, or pleasure and are considered to be "fun"...
and for commuting
Commuting
Commuting is regular travel between one's place of residence and place of work or full time study. It sometimes refers to any regular or often repeated traveling between locations when not work related.- History :...
.
- Rail Transport in VictoriaRail transport in VictoriaRail transport in Victoria, Australia, is provided by a number of railway operators who operate over the government-owned railway lines. Victorian lines use broad gauge, with the exception of a number of standard gauge freight and interstate lines, a few experimental narrow gauge lines, and...
- Railways in MelbourneRailways in MelbourneThe Melbourne rail network is operated by Metro Trains Melbourne under franchise from the Government of Victoria. The network is based on a commuter rail model centred on the Melbourne Central Business District and Flinders Street Station, rather than a rapid transit model, with a focus on...
- Trams in MelbourneTrams in MelbourneThe Melbourne tramway network is a major form of public transport in Melbourne, the capital city of the state of Victoria, Australia. , the network consisted of of track, 487 trams, 28 routes, and 1,773 tram stops. It was therefore the largest urban tramway network in the world, ahead of the...
- Buses in MelbourneBuses in MelbourneBuses in Melbourne, Australia, are a major form of public transport in Melbourne, with an extensive bus network. The network of 323 bus routes is operated by a number of privately owned bus companies....
- Department of TransportDepartment of Transport (Victoria, Australia)The Department of Transport or DOT is the central Government agency responsible for the coordination, integration and regulation of the transport system in the State of Victoria, Australia...
- Transport Integration ActTransport Integration ActThe Transport Integration Act 2010 is a law enacted by the Parliament of the State of Victoria, Australia. The Act is the prime transport statute in Victoria, having replaced major parts of the former Transport Act 1983....
- Director, Transport SafetyDirector, Transport SafetyThe Director, Transport Safety is the independent Government agency responsible for rail, bus and marine safety in the State of Victoria, Australia. The position was created as a statutory office by the Transport Integration Act 2010...
- Chief Investigator, Transport SafetyChief Investigator, Transport SafetyThe Chief Investigator, Transport Safety is the independent Government agency responsible for investigation of safety-related trends and incidents in the rail, bus and marine industries in the State of Victoria, Australia. The position was created as a statutory office by the Transport...
- Victorian Public Transport Development AuthorityVictorian Public Transport Development AuthorityVictorian Public Transport Development Authority is the independent body that will corodinate all aspects of an integrated transport system in Victoria, Australia....
- Taxi Industry InquiryTaxi Industry InquiryThe Taxi Industry Inquiry is an inquiry being conducted in the State of Victoria, Australia by the Taxi Services Commission into the taxi industry and taxi services in that State. The Inquiry is headed by Professor Allan Fels, the former head of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission...
- Taxi Services CommissionTaxi Services CommissionThe Taxi Services Commission is the independent Government agency responsible for conducting a major inquiry, the Taxi Industry Inquiry, into taxi and other small commercial passenger vehicle services in the State of Victoria, Australia...