Archive, Industry News

BusNSW welcomes NSW budget PT initiatives

BusNSW has welcomed public transport initiatives announced in the recent NSW government budget, which includes 3,300 more bus services a week.

Acting executive director Matt Threlkeld says the financing of 446 new and replacement buses across the state is important, but it is the new and expanded services that benefit local communities.

The budget includes more than 1,500 new or extended services in western Sydney, over 1,600 additional services in the Sydney metropolitan area, and in excess of 100 extra weekly services in the outer metropolitan area, including the Lower Hunter, Central Coast and Blue Mountains.

“With population growth, we are seeing demand for seats increasing significantly in pockets of the Greater Sydney metropolitan area, so enhancing services in these areas will help to minimise congestion on Sydney roads,” Threlkeld says.

“The services will need to be supported by bus priority infrastructure that allows buses to navigate through traffic and give customers a reliable and timely experience.

“It’s critical that residential growth areas in the Hunter, the Illawarra and the Blue Mountains get service levels and intra-regional links that promote the use of public transport over the private car.

“Increasing the frequency of services and hours of operation gives these communities real options when considering a change of transport mode.

“BusNSW looks forward to seeing the service planning detail and where the additional buses will be allocated.”

Threlkeld adds that updating the bus fleet is also vital to improving customer satisfaction and taking advantage of the safety and environmental benefits that come from new technology.

“The allocation of $29 million to expand the installation of seatbelts to all rural and regional school buses will further improve school bus safety in regional areas,” he says.

“There is also good news for coach operators with $48 million towards construction of a new underground concourse at Central Station to better connect passengers to trains, buses, light rail and the new Sydney Metro.

“The charter and tourist sector depends on major entertainment, lifestyle, sporting, arts and business events across NSW and BusNSW welcomes the commitment for at least $95 million to be invested in this area.”

“There is also good news for coach operators with $48 million towards construction of a new underground concourse at Central Station to better connect passengers to trains, buses, light rail and the new Sydney Metro,” Threlkeld said.

“The charter and tourist sector depends on major entertainment, lifestyle, sporting, arts and business events across NSW and BusNSW welcomes the commitment for at least $95 million to be invested in this area,” he said.

For more information please call Matt Threlkeld, Acting Executive Director,

(02) 8839 9500 or mobile 0412 624 045

Send this to a friend