A P T N S W logo

Action for Public Transport (N.S.W.) Inc.

Push for improved buses in Sydney's East

posted Saturday 28 October 2006
From the 27 Oct 2006 eNewsletter of Clover Moore, MP -

"BUSES REMAIN ON SLOW

My meeting with the Minister for Transport this week gained some positive news for Redfern and Surry Hills, but I am concerned that the Government continues to view public transport as a commercial operation rather than a vital public service.

With a delegation representing residents, businesses and Kings Cross Police, I informed the Minister about the need for 24 hour transport for the 24 hour Kings Cross entertainment precinct.

We presented a report on the Kings Cross Liquor Accord trial bus that transported 400 people out of Kings Cross each weekend, and the City's research report into licensed premises in the precinct. Commander Mark Murdoch reported on the impact on crime and anti-social behaviour when visitors cannot get out of the area due to a lack of early morning transport.

State Transit Authority representatives argued that, if Kings Cross had late night buses, they would be wanted by other areas—however nowhere else has 24 hours operation with such a high density of residents and visitors, or the same concentration of liquor outlets. The Minister stated that he will consider my request for a Kings Cross NightRide bus.

In conjunction with police and local businesses, the City is also investigating secure taxi ranks as a practical step to improve late night transport from this precinct.

The Minister also listened to concerns about the need for more buses in the inner east, including the 311, 326/327 and 200 routes which have suffered cuts. He told me that he would only increase services if patronage increases. The State Transit Authority and the Minister won't consider sensible proposals for feeder buses to take residents to transport nodes, and for smaller buses to operate in narrow and congested inner city streets.

My request for increased services on the 300 series routes through Surry Hills and Redfern received a better response. The Minister reported peak hour services increased in May and August, providing some relief for the areas' growing population. The Minister will add more buses as demand increases and will investigate short trip services between Victoria Park and the city."



Action for Public Transport home page

Twitter Facebook webcounter