North Shore MPs demand faster action
The State Government announced on 12 March it would purchase 50 articulated (bendy) buses, as well as 10 B-Line double-decker buses, to address ongoing service delays and cancellations on the North Shore.
In February there were around 13 buses out of service or requiring repair, but the buses are to begin reinstatement from April.
“Our drivers have been doing their best, but the fleet shortage has meant many services haven’t been up to scratch,” Minister for Transport John Graham said.
Speaking on the day of the announcement, North Shore MP Felicity Wilson demanded faster action.
“I’m told that things should start improving within three weeks – but the full fleet won’t be back in action until later this year, with the new buses to be delivered in the second half of the year,” Ms Wilson said.
“Our community continues to face massive disruptions due to cancelled services and lengthy queues. We can’t wait that long for a reliable public transport system and we can’t afford further delays.
“I’ll keep pushing for faster solutions so that commuters in our area aren’t left in limbo for another 6 to 12 months.”
Willoughby MP Tim James said commuters ‘need to see real improvements fast.’
“The government must ensure the new buses are delivered as quickly as possible,” Mr James told NL. “I have asked the minister to provide a timeline for this, as well as to reallocate existing buses right now.
“Many local routes have been affected and I have asked the Willoughby depot to prioritise those routes that serve school children particularly.”
A spokesperson for bus operator Busways told NL that Transport for NSW was finalising the new bus allocation for each region before specific routes were decided.
“The new buses are expected to be used on the busiest bus routes across the network, which will have a knock-on effect where this will allow existing buses on these routes to be distributed across Sydney on other busy routes needing more capacity,” the spokesperson said.
“Currently, 29 buses in the North Shore and West region are out of service, including articulated buses undergoing repairs.”
Warringah Independent MP Zali Steggall said the extra buses were ‘long overdue.’ “Our message has been clear. We need more services, more drivers and long-term solutions.”
