Push for new bus to connect westside suburbs

Why don’t our buses connect suburbs better? That’s the question westside residents pushing for a Bardon to Toowong service are asking.

Bardon residents are pushing for a new bus service connecting to Toowong, but TransLink is cool on the idea. Picture: AAP/Darren England

Bardon retiree Yvonne Ritson’s push for a Bardon to Toowong bus service is gaining traction in the community, with a state parliamentary petition now launched.

But TransLink, which authorises bus services (Council only runs them) is not convinced, saying residents could use the Great Circle routes 598 and 599, which operate every 30 minutes, Monday to Friday, and hourly on Saturdays.

Ms Ritson said many residents faced a 1-2km, hilly walk to get to the nearest point on the Great Circle line – Coopers Camp Rd.

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“Since we moved here in 1990 there have been four (developments) with (nearly 300) townhouses, but no improvement in bus services,’’ she said.

“In that time many people have moved into various stages of retirement or their children have grown up and are going to university or high school.

“It’s fine getting into the city, but if you want to go to Toowong most people drive.’’

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State Greens MP for the area, Michael Berkman, has raised the issue with TransLink and started a parliamentary petition.

Mr Berkman said his office had been “barraged’’ with requests for such a service.

“This new route should be delivered ASAP,’’ he said.

“At the very latest, the State Government and Council should include this new route in the bus network review when Cross River Rail and Brisbane Metro are delivered.

“We also know that Bardon families need a bus link to Kelvin Grove State College, and I’ll keep fighting for that as well.’’

Donna Burns, the Greens candidate for Paddington ward.

Sign the petition for a new bus service here

Greens candidate for Paddington ward, Donna Burns, also backed a new service.

“Bardon and Paddington residents know how unreliable buses can be. That translates into peak hour traffic jams,’’ Ms Burns said.

“A new high-frequency bus linking up Paddington, Bardon and Toowong will help students heading to UQ, retail workers heading Indooroopilly and office workers heading to Toowong.

“As more new residents move in, it’s time to fix the Bardon black hole of public transport.

“Brisbane desperately needs more cross-suburban links, instead of travelling into the city and back out again.

“Getting the bus should be easier, quicker and cheaper than driving.

“That’s why we’re also pushing for “turn up and go” services for the 375, 475 and Great Circle Line.’’