Erina to Somersby: Rapid bus lane proposed in council strategy

A bus service, departing every seven minutes up the Central Coast Highway, is a reality that Central Coast Council is exploring.

A rapid bus lane, proposed between Erina and Somersby, is a “no-brainer” according to Gosford/Erina and Coastal chamber of commerce president Rod Dever. Picture: Sue Graham

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A bus service, departing every seven minutes up the Central Coast Highway, is a reality Central Coast Council is exploring.

And Gosford/Erina and Coastal chamber of commerce president Rod Dever says a rapid bus corridor between Erina and Somersby is a “no-brainer” for accessibility and employment opportunities.

The rapid bus lane route proposed in the Somersby to Erina Corridor Strategy.

The council’s Somersby to Erina Corridor Strategy proposes a dedicated bus lane from Erina to Somersby, aimed at creating quick connections and links between Somersby, Mount Penang and Kariong, West Gosford, Gosford City Centre, East Gosford and Erina.

Gosford/Erina and Coastal Chamber of Commerce president Rod Dever said a bus link had the potential to simplify everything, and ensure more accessibility.

“To have a bus service with more accessibility is a no-brainer,” he said.

“As a city we are creating employment opportunities in places where people can’t get to, including Somersby and Kariong.

“Having a service from Erina to Somersby would create connectivity.”

A dedicated bus lane would alleviate parking and traffic concerns.

Mr Dever said the service would start a culture of change, with coasties heavily reliant on single vehicle use.

“If reliable, the service would also alleviate pressure on parking,” he said.

“People will be more inclined to use public transport. Coming from Wamberal, you could park at Erina and take a commuter service into the city or Somersby.

“It also takes the pressure off roads.”

Mr Dever said there were also employment benefits, with employment hubs able to be created.

“Having a regular, frequent, reliable service puts workplaces in a position to promote jobs,” he said.

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“Many could offer incentives such as free transport if a service like this was offered.”

The strategy is designed to support a population increase of 6395 residents in the corridor by 2036, along with an increase of 9866 jobs.

It also focuses on residential development and protection of employment lands.

The Somersby to Erina Corridor Strategy can be viewed at yourvoiceourcoast.com and is open for submissions from the public until April 15.