The all-night weekend public transport trial has been extended to June 2017, which is positive news for Melbourne's burgeoning night-time economy. While there has been criticism that many of the buses included in the network have been vacant late at night, we are only 6 months into the trial, with much of that having been over the quieter winter months.
The Age quotes that at times there were as few as 16 passengers on night network buses across the entirety of Melbourne.
Extending the trial both enables the public to become accustomed to the service, as well as seeing uptake over peak periods and major events such as Spring Racing and the Australian Open.
We certainly expect to see an increase in usage over the warmer months, as more people begin to venture out and test the system. For many it could mean that the perceived cost of a night out is also reduced (by removing taxi or Uber surge fares) increasing the frequency of patronage.
For the hospitality industry, encouraging and promoting use of the night network could lead to a healthier night time economy in the future – this could be in ways such as
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Late-night 'train ticket' promos such as a discount equivalent to the train fare for certain purchases after midnight; -
Providing information on when the next train or tram is from the stop closest to your venue – if people know there is a traini n 30 or 40 minutes they may stay and have another drink or snack, rather than heading out to find the first cab.
Do you love late night public transport? Hate it? Has it had a positive or negative effect on your late night business? Do you plan to promote this service to encourage more late night patronage? Let us know, we'd love to hear from you!
Our friends at Kerplunk are also happy to promote your late night offers for free.