Passengers face delays and overcrowding
Beaches bus commuters (including HSC students) were faced with cancellations and overcrowding following the withdrawal of 83 articulated (bendy) buses from service across multiple regions by Transport for NSW after cracks were found during routine inspections.
Bus company Keolis Downer (KD) was forced to operate on a fleet of 14 as opposed to 54 bendy buses.
A spokesperson for KD told PL that its maintenance and operational teams had been working to reduce the impact of a reduced fleet.
The company has prepared 26 extra buses, reallocated the operational 14 bendy buses to meet demand and added a double-decker bus to the fleet for extra B1 services along the main commuter corridor.
“Despite these measures, we are still operating with a reduced fleet, which will lead to service cancellations and heavier loading, especially during peak hours,” the KD spokesperson said.
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) coordinator- general Howard Collins said it was working with bus operators to limit impacts on passengers, prioritising vulnerable passengers and school services.
“On the Northern Beaches and lower north shore, commuters will notice there are not as many ‘bendy buses’ on the road, (which) will reduce capacity,” Mr Collins said.
“But we want to be upfront with passengers. Replacing articulated buses with standard two-door city buses reduces capacity by about a third. You may see more overcrowding and queuing, and it may take you more time to get to your destination,” he said.
Independent Wakehurst MP Michael Regan called on the NSW Government to expedite the purchase of modern double-decker buses as a solution to both the current fleet problems and ongoing driver shortages.
“We know electric articulated buses are years away, but double-decker buses, which are fuel-efficient and compliant with modern emissions standards, are available now,” Mr Regan stated.
Mr Regan emphasised the urgent need to replace outdated buses and deploy new double-deckers to alleviate pressure on the transport network.
“The solution is clear: bring in more modern, euro-standard emission- compliant double-deck buses now, and remove these dirty diesel bendy buses from our streets.”
TfNSW said it would take some time to rectify the issue, but it would continue to improve capacity.
