Clover Moore MP Member for Sydney will present petitions to the NSW Legislative Assembly on behalf of over 530 residents and workers from Pyrmont and Ultimo demanding better bus services.
“I’ve been working with resident group Pyrmont Action to get adequate transport for the Pyrmont and Ultimo peninsula, but the Government keeps telling me that services are ‘sufficient to meet demand’,” said Ms Moore.
In the NSW Parliament, Pyrmont Action representatives presented Ms Moore with petitions collected by dissatisfied residents. “Public transport has been reduced to two semi-regular, and two irregular and limited bus services, and the light rail which runs to Central, but not the CBD, said Convenor Elizabeth Elenius.
“Before the Anzac Bridge, all buses using Victoria Road travelled through Pyrmont, providing links with Balmain, Rozelle and the inner west,” said Ms Elenius.
While bus services have been reduced, the population of the peninsula has risen dramatically from 3,000 to 12,000 residents. It is expected to increase by half again between 2001 and 2010. Workers also need public transport links to businesses such as Channel 7, Fairfax and American Express, and more businesses are opening up.
The residents’ petition calls for a regular bus service from north Pyrmont to the QVB and back, along Harris Street. Passengers need to get to Broadway to connect with other transport services, and the route links with public facilities such as the Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre and Ultimo Community Centre.
“Residents tell me that the 501 bus from Ryde is full before it gets to the inner city, and unreliable. They say that the 443 bus is irregular, leaving passengers with long waits or long walks,” said Ms Moore.
“The new 448 pre-pay express service from the QVB to Star City in the mornings and from Star City to the QVB in the evenings, does not stop in the area or carry return passengers so its of no help to local residents. Residents watch empty buses go by.
Scheduled buses often don’t turn up, are early or run late. “Many people give up waiting and have to take a taxi to the city to keep appointments,” says resident Bill Hubble.
“Effective public transport is essential to reduce reliance on private vehicles and is a key element in the City of Sydney’s strategy for a liveable city,” Ms Moore concluded.
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