Feasibility Of Transportation In Werribee

Background of the Study

Discuss about the Feasibility of Transportation in Western Suburb (Werribbee).

The rise in the level of developments in various cities in Australia means measures have to be put in place to flow in tandem with these conditions. One of such locations is Werribee which is considered to be among the fastest growing places in the country. Werribee is a western suburb of Melbourne, Victoria Australia with a total population of about 40,000 according to the census done in 2016. Similar to the case in the greater Melbourne surrounding, this suburb has had its economy grow as much as the population does. Consequently, there is the overuse of the available transport options in the area. The two major modes of transport in the area are road and railway transport. However, a number of the locals have bicycles hence the presence of accommodative paths for this mode. The town is located adjacent to the Princes Highway which links it to the city (Ashforth and Kreiner, 2009, p. 420). Additionally, there are bus networks which link Werribee to other surrounding suburbs. The area is served by two major railway stations namely the Hoppers Crossing railway station and the Werribee railway station. The latter station serves as the terminal for Werribee line. This study focuses on the aspect of road and rail transport in the area, the related challenges and suggested solutions to improve the fraternity (Bardi, John and Robert, 2009, p. 55)

Recent studies reveal a number of aspects which in one way or the other have affected the transport sector in Werribee. First, the high rising economy implies a good number of the people own private cars and hence choose to use them while going to work. In addition to the many buses plying the network of roads within Werribees, there have been reported cases of traffic snarl ups. According to the department of transport, the snarl up occurs every morning between 5-7am and in the evening after 6pm. There have also been cases of road collisions hence indicating lack of strategies aimed at enhancing road safety. The two railways stations are a bit far from the main settlement areas hence the people have to use other means like buses, cars and bicycles to reach the terminals and subsequently board to their locations.  Additionally, there have been reported cases of signal failures in certain occasions which have led to delays. This arrangement has proved cumbersome to most of the locals leading to a waste of time, inconveniences and subsequent increase in transport costs. The introduction of smart car has been suggested as the immediate counter strategy to obtain a long lasting solution. However, reducing the distance between the modes of transport and increasing the level of accessibility to the modes of choice would serve as a great idea out. The establishment of a hub is therefore suggested. In this structure, the roads and bicycle paths could be extended and expanded up to the railway terminals to come up with a mega terminal comprising all the modes of transport. The movement in and out of the hub can be controlled through lanes and clear road signs. Members of the public can then access the hub and pick their preferred modes at will (Berg, 2009, pp. 22).

1. a) What are the current problems affecting transportation in Werribbe?
2. b) Would the introduction of a transport hub ease the traffic challenges in the area?
3. c) How is the introduction of smart cars supportive to the whole idea of developing a transport model?
4. d) Will the development of a hub maximize land use and make transport smoother and faster?

Research Problem

The research process shall be guided by the following objectives

1. To use case studies and relevant literature to deduce the current issues affecting transportation at Werribee.
2. To use the findings to develop a transportation model aimed at offering a long term solution to the problems identified
3. To examine the signifance of smart technology and a transport hub in maximizing land use and minimizing transport related challenges.

The research shall be based on the hypothesis that the introduction of smart technologies in the transport sector in addition to developing a working transport hub will positively influence the aspect of transportation in Werribee and its environs.

The study mainly focuses on Werribee as a suburb but may slightly extend to other neighboring locations like the Hoppers Crossing area whose railway station also serves Werribee. The project revolves around the flow of both road and railway transport in the area with a special analysis of the current challenges faced by the council. The research process is intended to take a period of 4 months during which the relevant data will be collected via interviews, literature review and case studies.  The information shall be analyzed before coming up with relevant conclusions and necessary recommendations. The process is projected to run within the stipulated budget of about $8000 to be broken down in the later segments of this paper.

The information which is to be obtained before coming up with a tacit suggestion on the structure of the hub may not only require a lot of time but also resources. The two aspects which may not be adequate for the success of the project act as the major limitations. The other minor limitation may be the unwillingness of certain members of the population to share their experiences on the roads hence impeding the process of data collection. Some interviewees also decline to give information citing issues with confidentiality which in one way or the other may hinder the effective flow of the data collection process.

In a bid to ensure the confidentiality of the information obtained from the interviewees, the data shall be kept secret and only for the purposes of the research alone. In case an individual is to be mentioned, this shall be done on their consent. The necessary ethical considerations have therefore been put in place to hinder any unwanted eventualities.

The research project looks at the possibility of developing a transport hub in Werribee in addition to the introduction of smart cars. The successful collection of the necessary data, discussion of findings shall give room for the right recommendations. These ideas if implemented shall be of great benefit not only to the transport council of Werribee but also future researchers seeking to improve the idea. The outcome of this project is there likely to be accompanied with the following benefits:

• An improvement in the overall transport system within the suburb and its surroundings
• An increase in convenience levels among the path, rail and road users  by making transport faster, safer and smoother
• Transport is a function of a developing economy hence improving the movement of people from one place to another is likely to have a positive impact on the economic progress of the area and its environs. This is because the movement of goods, services, workers and even consumers to their areas of concern will have been made easier
• The development of a hub will see the utilization of the unused land portions developed effectively to the advantage of the residents
• Finally, implementing the transportation model is likely to lower the transport costs since related challenges like traffic congestions which increase costs shall have been minimized accordingly.

Research Questions

Adam, C. (2013)  in the journal The Age, ‘Signal failures are causing chronic rail delays’ highlight the aspect of signal failures as one of the major impacts on the effectiveness of rail transport. The author cites Melbourne city as one of the localities affected by poor networks. Despite the fact that these occurrences are occasional, the author points out that signal failures lead to poor or total lack of communication between the operators at the designated terminals. When the free flow of information is hampered, the trams and trains cannot move. As a measure to prevent possible collisions, the trains are forced to halt at the terminals until the signals are strong enough and a communication to go ahead is given. Such instances lead to delays which in turn inconvenience the users (Clemons, 2009, p. 45). When an individual chooses to use an alternative means having paid for the delaying one, the whole process ends up being costly. The author however suggests the development of a more sophisticated infrastructural set with an enhanced communication system. The installation of boosters is noted here as a possible solution which would improve the signal strengths. This source is effective as it contains information regard one of the challenges common in the transport sector in Melbourne. The noted challenge can then be used as a point of reference when coming up with the transport hub. The Werribee Hub shall therefore be installed with the up to date communication gadgets to ease communication and hence make rail transport faster and smoother (Crecine, 2009, p. 32).

Aston, Currie and Pavkova (2016)  in ‘Does Transit Mode Influence the Transit-Orientation of Urban Development? Provide an empirical study of transport networks and its relationship to flow of vehicles. The authors note that when the movement of people, roads and trains are restricted to specific paths, it becomes easy to control the traffic in the given area. In order to make this idea more effective, the different modes can be intertwined with each other in a bid to increase accessibility and provide the users with a myriad of options to choose from. The authors point out the almost predictable times when traffic congestion occurs in the city areas mostly in the morning and in the evening. According to the studies, traffic congestions negatively impact the economy of a region and may in adverse cases lead to losses due to low mobility during the designated hours. They therefore suggest a more definite transport system which maximally utilizes the available modes of transport and hence increasing convenience levels. For instance, the authors suggest the availability of bicycle paths, wider roads and accessible rail stations at a universal point where individuals have the opportunity to pick the mode that would be faster, convenient or safer for them. The suggestion here involves the construction of arrival and departure terminals with at least more than one mode exchanged. For instance, a rail station can be built adjacent to a bus station so that when one misses one, they can always jump on the next option. This source provides a unique framework from which the model of this research project shall be developed. Based on the ideas above, one can easily obtain an idea of what the transport model ought to be like.

Research Objectives

Currie and Shalaby (2008) in their article Success and Challenges in Modernizing Streetcar Systems – Experience in Melbourne and Toronto bring out a clear picture of the benefits that would accompany the incorporation of smart technologies in the transport sector. The authors note that the current bus types used in Melbourne and of course its surrounding suburbs would serve much better if they were turned into smart cars. A picture in the article depicts an overcrowded bus with some of the passengers missing seats and having to travel on the aisle. This is not only uncomfortable for the users but equally endangers their lives. In the likely event of an accident, such individuals remain the most vulnerable. The authors are also keen to note that these passengers might have found themselves in such a situation due to lack of a better alternative. Consequently, they recommend the introduction of modern cars which are not only spacious but also faster. Controlling the movement of the smart cars is quite easy hence introducing them in the transport sector would be a major boost. Modernization in the transport sector is likely to lower the transport costs to the advantage of the people of Melbourne and by extension its surrounding environs like Werribee. The authors then conclude by suggesting the introduction of smart cars as a sure means of making transport on the cities smoother, faster and safer.

Currie (2010) in Quantifying spatial gaps in public transport supply based on social needs points out the various individual needs that have a direct relationship with transport. According to the author, there are number of social needs which call for an effective transport system for them to be met adequately. He points out the aspects of education, entertainment, travel for business or fun and shopping sprees as some of the daily human activities which would be largely hampered if the transport system was not up to the required standards. For instance, there is need for students to move with ease to the learning institutions. Delays due to slow transport, road accidents and traffic congestions would greatly hamper the fulfillment of such needs. The author therefore proposes a transport system that keenly addresses individual social needs. This is because satisfying these needs has a direct impact on the society and hence the economy of the region. In coming up with the transport designs, the authorities must put in place the necessary safety measures and values aimed at making movement faster and more comfortable. As noted by the author, by pointing out the gaps in the transport sector, it is possible to come up with the right counter measures with the core target of bridging these gaps. Such strategies can involve developing a transport hub which is actually the core of this research proposal. This indicates the relevance of the source to this course.

Hypothesis

Delbosc and Currie (2011) in their article, Using Lorenz Curves to Assess Public Transport Equity, use empirical data to bring out a vital relationship between the various modes of transport. On one hand of their discussion, the authors point out the separate advantages of using the various mode of transport. Road transport is considered as cheap, convenient, faster than rail and can be applicable mostly in short distances. The use of bicycles is mentioned by the authors as environmentally friendly and healthier options especially in cases where short distances are involved. Rail and tram transport is then mentioned as the best option when bulky goods are to be transported. The option is however slow and hence may be useful when the passengers intend to cover a longer distance without any mentioned time constraints. The authors however point out the fact that these modes would be way more effective if they were interrelated such that an individual has the luxury of choosing from more than one option. For instance, the current situation in Melbourne is such that when one misses a train, they have to move for a considerable distance to obtain the next available means such as a bus or a car. The same case applies to the situation in Werribee where the Werribee railway station is a distance away from the nearby bus terminal and even the highway. The authors suggest that an interlocked system would see the people at a better advantage which would consequently enhance the levels of convenience in the transport sector.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (2017) in the article Werribee (State Suburb), the population trends and its direct impacts on the aspect of transport are highlighted. From this source, the steady rise in population recorded from 2012 can be used to project a future rise in the number of people in the suburb. The study also indicates the relatively stable economy which has led to the increase in number of private cars in the suburb. The point of concern in this case is the current presence of traffic congestion and road safety issues in comparison to the expected bulge in the population. The author therefore points out that if the issue is not countered in the current state then it is likely to go out of hand when the population will have increased beyond its current level. Practical measures on controlling traffic and easing transport among the people in Werribbe are some of the suggestions indicated on this report. A good system of roads and railway network are suggested as some of the possible counter strategies. This source is therefore crucial for the completion of this research project which does not only seek to identify the transportation related challenges in Werribee but also come up with practical measures that could be undertaken to ensure a long lasting solution.

Project Scope

Deborah (2009) in her book Melbourne: A city of stories does not only highlight the aspect of transportation in Melbourne but also goes ahead to examine the state of the infrastructural developments in the different suburbs connected to Melbourne. In addition to uploading the level of growth in the transport sector over the past ten years, the author is keen enough to point out some of the gaps which when filled could make the suburbs not only accessible but more endowed economically. The author also points out the vital link that exists between a good transport system and the economy of a region. Easy movement of people and goods from one place to another enhances business activities which is one of the backbones of economic growth in the society. The issue of space is also mentioned as one of the aspects which need to be revised by the city council. The author suggests the removal of on street parking as these arrangements lead to little space for movements which in turn reduces the safety of road users. The recommendations by the author also entail the introduction of more foot and bicycle paths especially in areas away from the roads. Such a strategy may not only enhance the safety of the cyclers but also keep them at a good distance from the pollution that would come with the vehicles. In this book, the author vividly outlines some practical measures that could be implemented by the city authority to make traffic more smooth, faster and safer. These ideas can be borrowed in the structuring of the transport hub at Werribee, one of the core objectives of this research project.

Bardi, John and Robert (2008) in the book Management of Transportation looks at the benefits that come with effective management in the transport sector. The authors argue that each element in the transport fraternity is crucial and unique in its own capacity. The development of a good transport network therefore ought to be such that the system obtains the best out of each mode of transport. They highlight road and rail transport as the two major modes that are often easy to merge hence coming up with a terminal combining two or more of them. According to the authors, placing more than one option in a central point gives the people an option to choose the most convenient mode for them. The authors also highlight some of the challenges that may be associated with poor management in the transport sector. First, there is the issue of increased road accidents which in turn indicates a decline in safety levels for the road users. In cases where the signs are not clear, there have been reported cases of collisions between a train and a bus. These collisions do not only take lives but lead to traffic snarl ups especially when a lot of time has to be taken in order to clear the mess. They then summarize the work by offering practical solutions to transport related issues. In the recommendations, incorporation of technology while improving the infrastructure in the urban centers is mentioned as a feasible option. Summarily, effective management within the transport sector plays a crucial role in increasing speed, safety and convenience.

Limitations

Crecine (2009) in Time oriented metropolitan model demonstrate the aspect of space utilization when coming up with a good transportation model. The author mentions the fact that a lot of space in the urban centers are underused or perhaps used for the wrong reasons. He gives an example of unused stations lying in most urban centers hence taking up spaces which could have been crucial for other forms of development. An effective model, therefore, is one which utilizes the least space available to maximize the gains that can practically be derived from the same. According to the article, it can be deduced that some of the model strategies which involve on street parking and use of street portions for outside dining are ineffective ideas which ought to be revised. He therefore suggests the removal of wide paths especially those that are rarely used or the conversion of these paths into more useful spaces. For instance instead of a wide path, trees can be planted which do not only enhance the environmental aesthetic value of the urban center but also goes a long way in controlling certain environmental conditions like the greenhouse effect. The author also points out the need to convert the unused terminals to other useful transport components. For example, an unused railway station can be converted into a larger terminal connecting roads and bicycle paths hence making the space more productive. Proper space management is therefore discussed as a pivotal function of an effective transport model.

Friedman and Alonso (2009) in the article Regional development and planning point out the function of proper strategies in regional planning. They mention that productive measures ought to be put in place to develop the suburbs in Melbourne. Werribee is mentioned in this case as one of the fastest growing town with a unique transport system which when developed further could come with a lot of gains both to the council and the society at large. The authors suggest enough budgetary allocations to the transport sector which could then be used to enhance the infrastructure in the area. Apart from the two functioning railway stations, Werribbee and Hoppers Crossing, there is a disused station which is located near the Werribee racecourse. This is a clear indication of poor planning on the side of the city management authorities. The authors mention that there have been numerous calls by members of the public that this station ought to be reopened hence indicating the operating stations are not serving the society satisfactorily. The authors therefore develop a clear link between good planning and regional development. The transport fraternity is mentioned as one of the pivotal determinants of regional development. This implies that when the road and railway networks are carefully established in an area, the ease of flow of transport is likely to extend into enhancing development in various areas within the city.

Ethical Issues

Storey (2010) in the article Transport and Economic Development brings out the link between an efficient transport system and the level of economic development in the region. According to Storey, most urban centers are often characterized with good infrastructural developments. The author argues that a good network of roads leads to an ease of flow of both goods and services which makes business processes to flow. He additionally mentions that a smooth and flowing transport system has a special way of influencing supply chain management by making the processes less costly and faster. This therefore implies that the individuals have a better access to goods and services and other consumer products. Such processes lead to economic development. The author also mentions some of the associated challenges with a poor transport system. He points out that low accessibility to major transport terminals may lead to delays which in turn cause hindrances to the smooth flow. This may lead to increase in operation costs especially in chains where more inventories are involved. Consequently, the author suggests a more organized transport system in which the members of the public are treated to a variety of options such that when one fails, they can pick the next available means.  A transport hub at the center of Werribee would therefore be a timely solution to this problem. This source is therefore a crucial source for the development of this project since the ideas discussed by the author are practical hence can be easily implemented in order to achieve the project objectives.

Data Collection

The research process involved the derivation of numerous data from various sources with the aim of obtaining as much as possible. The information obtained from this process would be crucial in determining the feasibility of the whole research project. This is because from the findings, the necessary ideas shall be derived and subsequently used to establish the model (Creswell, 2008, p.12). Due to the importance of the whole research process, the methods chosen were carefully reviewed to determine their effectiveness. For the research process, the data collection methodologies involved random sampling accompanied by direct interviews and questionnaires, review of relevant literature as well as analysis of case studies (Dey, 2010, p 24).

To begin with, the random sampling was done within the research scope hence it mainly focused on the residents of the western suburb. A total of 200 participants were sampled from different locations in Werribee. These locations included areas near the Hoppers Crossing, Werribbee Railway station as well as regions near and around the main highway connecting Werribee to the city. From each portion of the target population, a total of 20 participants were randomly picked. Based on their willingness to offer the required information, the number was confirmed and toned down to ten. This procedure was repeated for different locations within Werribee hence coming up with a total 200 individuals. This method of data collection was chosen because it offers the researcher to have a feel of the public opinion without necessarily having to talk and relate with each individual in Werribbee. The method is also confidential since the information offered to the research can be kept in secret and used solely for the purpose of the research project. In addition, the method can be used to collect a large amount of data within a short period of time. This is because the participants are engaged in the process and their responses received within a stipulated period of time. Additionally, population sampling from various locations within the research region is an effective approach since the samples present a fair representation of the entire population. On the other hand, the process is quite cumbersome and the process of data collection from each individual may require a lot of resources hence the constraint of cost (Doganis, 2009).

Project Benefits

The second procedure in the data collection process involved presentation of questionnaires to the selected population sample. A sample of the used questionnaire shall be attached here as an appendix. Each of the individuals were given a sample and asked to fill after which the filled return forms  be collected after a period of three weeks and subjected to the necessary analysis. In addition to the questionnaires, a selected segment was derived from the larger research population and subjected to direct interviews (Koschmann, 2012, p. 23). These individuals were selected based on a number of considerations hence the set will comprise students, railway station employees, members of the Werribee Transport Department, motorists and cyclists just to mention but few. The information derived from these individuals was then subjected to analysis in order to deduce any visible trends. The use of interviews and questionnaires was picked on due to the high convenience levels on the side of the researcher. This method can also be used to gain a lot of information from various individuals within a short period of time (Franklin, 2012, p. 4). Due to the fact that the participants are served with a similar questionnaire, it is easy to deduce any clear trends hence establishing the validity of the data is easy. The process of preparing and distributing the questionnaires is quite cumbersome and may require a lot of resources. Additionally, the direct interviews, when not managed properly may take a long period of time which in one way or the other interferes with the progress of the research process (Fowler, 2012, p. 23).

The other data collection procedure involved review of relevant literature. A total of 50 sources with research content based on the issue of transportation in Melbourne and its surroundings were selected. Apart from the literature review, a selected number of case studies on transportation models were also reviewed. The contents were highlighted in a bid to ascertain the source’s relevance to the research objectives. From the larger collection, the number was toned down to about 12 distinct sources with detailed information addressing the research problem. The sources were then reviewed and the information obtained discussed before coming up with the necessary recommendations. This process is relatively cheaper since the sources are readily available in libraries and on various online platforms (Gill and Johnson, 2010, p. 33). Despite the fact that the process of retrieving information may be quite involving, the data obtained through this process can be logically arranged which enhances the reliability of the information obtained. The arguments are however restricted to the authors’ point of view only which may pose a challenge to the effectiveness of this approach. Reviewing a variety of arguments on the research issue therefore gives the researcher a myriad of viewpoints from which a single line of argument can be established.

Literature Review

Data Analysis

The two main approaches of data analysis used included descriptive statistics and data visualization. On the use of descriptive statistics, the responses obtained from the direct interviews and questionnaires were arranged to indicate specific trends (Gomez-Mejia and Robert, 2008, p. 98). For instance from the closed ended questions, there were choices hence arranging the data according to similar choices given by specific individuals was utilized as a method of preparing the raw data for analysis. In order to understand the data, averages, mean and the median were obtained. From this, it was possible to deduce the most common answer given to a particular question by various participants. The derived data was then arranged into tables and graphs in vivid presentations easy to interpret. The tabulated results are included in the discussion section of this paper (Grix, 2014). The other method of data analysis involved the use of data visualization. In this case, information was directly derived from the sources through a careful and visual analysis of the contents. This method was majorly pivotal when it came to analyzing the data obtained through literature review and case studies. These methods of data analysis were chosen because they give room for presentations which are easy to interpret. The bar graphs, tables and chats are also easy to construct based on the outcome of the calculated values. The data analysis methods derive progressions within a short time hence are convenient approaches in the research process.

Methodological problems

A number of impediments were encountered especially during the process of data collection through interviews and questionnaires. Some of the approached individuals were never so willing to give their views which in one way or the other hindered the smooth flow of the process (Guarreillo, 2009, p. 150). The distribution of the collection materials over the various selected locations was time consuming and required a lot of resources. Time constraints and inadequate resources can therefore be highlighted as some of the major limitations to the research process. For future processes, a more organized time line is recommended in addition to prior sourcing in order to ensure that enough resources are allocated for the research project (Guba and Lincoln, 2009, p. 12). Despite the limitations, the process was successful and the core objective of obtaining as much information as required was achieved.

From the process of data collection, it was possible to deduce a number of outcomes in relation to the main research issue. The project intended to outline some of the challenges facing the transport sector in Werribee. The data collection process was influential in enabling the researcher find out a number of these problems (Herman, 2009, p. 120). The main findings of the research process have been summarized in the tables and graphs below.

Table 1

Table showing different transport options and the average percentage of individuals using each at changing times

Mode of Transport	Bus	Train	Bicycle	Personal cars
Average percentage of people in the morning	30%	35%	5%	30%
Average percentage of people in the evening	30%	35%	5%	30%
Average percentage people over the weekends	20%	30%	20%	35%

Table 2

Table indicating transport related accident rates

Accidents caused by	Buses	Trains	Bicycles	Personal Vehicles
Percentage Rate	30%	15%	15%	40%

Table 3

Table summarizing public opinions on the transport situation in Werribee

	Strongly Agree	Agree	Disagree	Strongly Disagree
Are the current  transport systems at Werribee effective	20%	20%	35%	25%
Is there a need for modernization of cars?	80%	10%	10%	0
Would a transport hub at the Werribee railways station make the situation better?	80%	15%	5%	0

 

The summarized data in the above presentations indicate a definite trend in some of the factors affecting the sector of transport in Werribee. Table 1 reveals the use of train as the most common means of public transport. A good number of the populace also prefers to go to work in their personal cars. This observation could be attributed to the relative reduction in the cost of consumer products due to the stable economy. Most people can therefore afford the gas prices hence the ability to use their cars (Howell, 2013, p. 20). Buses are also indicated as a common means and this is mainly used by students, middle class and low wage workers. The table also indicates a relative drop in the use of bus and rail over the weekends with most people preferring to move in their personal cars or bicycles especially over short distances (James, 2010).

Table 2 reveals personal vehicles as the leading causes of traffic related problems in the region. This is followed by buses and bicycles while the use of rail transport is projected as the safest mode in the area. Figure 1 adequately summarizes these findings in form of a pie chart.  From Table 3 and Figure 2, the public opinion indicates that most people in Werribee agree to the fact that the current transport system in Werribee is not effective enough hence the need for development in various areas. The tabled results therefore indicate a high support for the establishment of a transport hub in the area as individuals feel this development would play a pivotal role in making transport smoother and faster in the area (Joubish, 2009, p. 20). The second popular suggestion given above is the aspect of modernization as the graph indicates a 60% support for the introduction of smart cars in addition to the transport hub. Other suggestions although given by fewer people, mostly the bicycle users reveal the need to widen the bicycle paths by removing outside dining and creating more space for both the road and path users.

The results obtained above can now be linked to the review of literature in order to deduce a number of crucial points of discussion. As mentioned by Currie (2016), most of the traffic snarl ups are experienced in the mornings when people are rushing to work and students going to school (Keddy, 2009, p.10). The same scenario repeats itself in the evenings when the individuals are taking their return journeys. The data analysis process reveals an increase in the number of personal vehicles and less space as one of the core causes of traffic snarl ups. The number of people using personal cars especially on week days is high due to the relatively low cost of fuel. Despite the fact that this may be advantageous to the individual users, the existence of a high number of personal cars in the smaller roads is one of the leading causes of traffic congestion. The results above equally reveal the fact that most reported accidents in Werribee involves small cars. When such incidents occur, a lot of time may be required to restore formality which leads to numerous cases of inconvenience.  In addition, a whole lot of the town center parking spaces are taken by the small cars (Masood, Dani, Burns and  Backhouse, 2016, p. 950). Due to the increased number, the town council has introduced on street parking in a bid to accommodate the number within the available space. On street parking hinders other road users from wholly enjoying the modes. Creating a hub would involve the establishment of wider parking lots which could replace on street parking and the created space used to enhance the aesthetic value through planting of trees. The paths can alternatively be widened to allow more room of the cyclists (Mahmoud, 2011, p. 120).

The second emergent issue from the data collection process is the aspect of poor signals as one of the challenges to railway transport in and out of Werribee. Ineffective communication systems are noted to have caused delays in some cases as the trains have to be halted to prevent imminent collisions. Since most of the people prefer to use trains as the next best option especially during working days, a slight delay leads to massive inconveniences on the part of the users (Mills and Platts, 2013).

The third challenge on the transport fraternity at Werribee is the noted disparity in the distance between the various modes of transport. The Werribee railway station is far from most of the residential areas hence individuals have to use other means like buses and cycles to reach the station. The nearest bus terminal is in Werribee’s town center and Pacific Werribee since the railway line is diverted to pass outside the town towards Wyndham vale. In addition, the bicycle paths are available but are not any close to either the bus or the railway interchanges. The notable paths are the Federation trail which starts at the Werribee River joining Millers road. The other path is the Werribee river trail which is almost 5km from the Werribee railway station. With such a network, the modes are separated from each other by a space which inconveniences the users. For instance, an individual willing to change from a bike into a train has to cover the entire distance between the paths and the railway station (Morris and Pinto, 2014, p. 12). In most cases, this is made impossible by the inexistence of good paths and road signs which endangers the users especially the cyclists. Establishing an interchange comprising all the three modes namely road, rail and cycle users would therefore be a worthy development in the area. It is from this aspect that the core of this research project shall be established.

The suggested transport model would first of all involve the conversion of the unused railway station near the Werribee terminal into a bus terminal hence reducing the distance between the rail and road modes (Pankaj, 2011). In addition, the model structure seeks to maximize on land use especially the portions around the railway terminal which have remained unused for a long period of time. Despite the fact that these spaces were reserved for the expansion of the rail project, they could still be used effectively by incorporating other modes of transport. An expansive parking lot can be constructed in the space adjacent to the last railway line and on the far end; a new bus terminal can be created. This way, individuals can easily cycle or drive into the parking area, find a place to pack and pick their next preferred mode of transport within a record time (Patton, 2012). In order to increase accessibility into the new interchange, the roads can be widened by removing on street parking. Through clear demarcations, different lanes can be assigned for specific purposes. For instance, the entry roads ought to be distinct and clearly placed similar to the departure roads (Premkumar, 2015). The roads can then be linked to the Princess Highway which further links Werribee to the city and other suburbs. The station is also to be installed with high standard communication gadgets in addition to a high definition booster to aid the signal strengths and hence ease the connection between the Werribee railway terminal and those in other suburbs. Such a strategy would be helpful in curbing the problem of inconveniences and delays caused by signal failures on the railway networks (Rogers, 2015).

In addition to establishing the transport hub, the proposal would also involve the introduction of smart cars, an innovation which is likely to minimize space usage and increase the speed of the road transport. Introducing smart cards would give room for a more digital approach in controlling traffic flow in and out of hub and the urban center as a whole. The smart cars are not only speedy but also spacious hence introducing them would lead to a reduction in cases of passengers having to travel while standing due to lack of seats (Robson, 2012). This idea would therefore make transport in and out of Werribee effective and hence manageable. Other measures aimed at the efficient utilization of the available space within the town may involve removing on street parking as well as outside dining especially those that are located close to the roads. The footpaths and bicycle paths can be laced with protective rails as this would go a long way in enhancing the safety of the path users while coming in and out of the hub.

The town transport council can also consider introducing pumps to regulate the speed of vehicles. Any railway crossing attached to the road ought to be replaced with a by-pass in order to reduce any train related accidents which was highlighted from the data as another cause of traffic related incidents in Werribee.

In order to anchor the proposal for a hub and modernization of transport in Werribee, it would be important to attach the success of its implementation to the associated benefits. To begin with, there is the economic aspect. As noted by Storey (2010) a good network of transport systems has a special way of boosting the economy of a region. This is because the movement of people, goods and services is made easy, affordable and faster.  The development would also see a decline in the cost of transport as individuals will have a variety of options to choose from. The reduced traffic congestions would further lower transport costs. The construction process and management of the hub would create employment opportunities to various members of the public depending on their areas of expertise. Consequently, the establishment of the hub in addition to modernizing the transport system will be pivotal in enhancing mobility which directly and positively influences business operations (Silverman, 2011, p. 10). A good flow in business activities in a region is directly proportional to the rate of economic development. Implementing this idea would therefore be a sure boost to Werribee’s economic endeavors.

The second aspect is the social benefits that would come with the construction of a hub. According to Friedman and Alonso (2009), there are a number of individual social needs which require mobility hence the need for proper accessibility to these areas. Such locations involve social amenities, churches, entertainment joints, schools and hotels just to mention but few. These areas should not only be accessible but the modes of transport used to reach the locations ought to be safe as well (Soeters, 2014).  Implementing the idea proposed above would see an increased in the level of accessibility to various locations both inside and surrounding Werribee. The widened roads and controlled flow of traffic in and out of the hub and hence the town center are approaches which are likely to enhance mobility. The smooth flow of the various modes of transport would therefore be major in enhancing the satisfaction of individuals’ social needs.

The third aspect is the impact of the implementation of this idea on the environment. The removal of on street parking as well as scrapping of outdoor dining would create more space. In addition to the development of roads, these spaces can be used to plant trees which in return enhance the aesthetic value of the town center. The trees also have added environmental effects for instance they not only attract rains but also provide shades which would be useful to the town users especially during hot seasons (Slevin and Pinto, 2012). Lastly, there is the technical point of view to the implementation of the development idea. It is a fact worth noting that establishing a transport hub in such a central area in Werribee is highly likely to enhance the efficiency of the transport systems. In addition, the area is to be installed with high end communication facilities hence minimizing delays especially in case of railway transport.  At the same time, the introduction of smart cars would be the epitome of efficiency in the road transport sector. This is because the smart vehicles can be technologically managed which in turn does away with the identified transport related challenges like congestion and accidents. The discussion above has used the outcome of the data collection process to adequately address the research problem before laying down the proposal of a model and the benefits that would come with its implementation. Each of the aspects highlighted above reveal just how practical the project is hence the need for consideration by the government (Storey, 2010). The process though is likely to involve a lot of resources and personnel hence the need for an equally adequate allocation.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The research process sought to establish some of the current challenges facing the transport sector in Werribee which is one of the fastest growing suburbs in Melbourne. The project relied upon review of literature, validation of case studies as well as use of interviews and questionnaires to obtain the required information. Through the sources, it was possible to deduce the aspects of traffic congestions, unstable communication signals and distance between the terminals as some of the major transportation challenges in Werribee. The model structure is subsequently drawn from these challenges with the core aim of obtaining a long lasting solution to the identified problems. The project proposes the establishment of a transport hub where the Werribbee railway station is linked to a bus terminus by a spacious parking lot with a good network of roads leading into and out of the hub (Turner, 2008). The parking is made wide enough to offer parking space for most urban center users with personal cars hence giving room for the removal of on street parking in some locations. The issue of time constraints can be pointed out as one of the limitations to the research process. Additionally, some of the stages required the use of a number or resources which might not have been available. This implies that the aspect of cost was another challenge during the research process. These limitations were however overcome and the research issue adequately addressed.  With reference to the research objectives which were aimed at outlining the transport challenges in Werribee before proposing a solution, the research process can be termed to have been successful.

Due to the various projected benefits, the following recommendations can be put forward in line with the main research issue

• The Werribee transport authorities ought to step up its campaigns on the sensitization of members of the public on safety especially when it comes to public transport. Most of the accidents occurred as a result of negligence and ignorance by road users to the established measures and standards meant to govern smooth traffic flow.  Member education would therefore keep the people active in line with maintaining safety.
• There is the inevitable need for the allocation of more resources to enhance the establishment of development zones in the area of transport. The bicycle trails, despite their availability are not adequately linked to the major roads and other terminals. The transport department therefore need to create an effective interlink between the various routes in a bid to increase accessibility to major areas inside Werribee and also in the surrounding regions.
• The establishment of the transport hub is an idea whose time has come since it is likely to be accompanied a number of social, environmental, technical and economical benefits. In addition to the hub, the department could also consider revamping the whole communication system by replacing worn out facilities and using updated versions to ease communication which is a crucial determinant in efficient transport.
• The transport authorities at Werribbee also ought to consider the incorporation of technology by modernizing both road and rail transport. The use of smart cars would not only be faster but equally provides a more comfortable option to the members of the public. This development would see a reduction in cases where passengers have to stand on vehicle aisles to reach their destination due to lack of a better option. The smart cars would also allow digital control which eases flow of traffic to the advantage of both the members of the public and the transport department.
• Finally, there is the need to effectively use the space within the town. Areas which are over used can be restructured while those that are underused can be developed into more productive scenes. In this initiative, the transport department may consider scrapping the number of bumps in the town centers as they contribute to the occurrence of traffic congestions. Street portion parking lots also squeeze the roads which makes it hard for other roads users to conveniently explore these paths. The cycling paths also need to be railed on the sides in order to enhance the safety of the cyclists. Implementing each of these recommendations is likely to see the suburb develop to another level in Melbourne socioeconomic map.

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