Sydney Metro northwest: rise in on-demand bus users

Hundreds of commuters are using new on-demand bus services to access the Sydney Metro northwest.

On-demand bus driver Danny Hadchiti has seen a rise in On-demand bus users. PIcture: AAP IMAGE / Angelo Velardo

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• Transport Minister Andrew Constance rejects calls for on-demand bus services

On-demand bus services across Sydney’s northwest have seen massive increases in popularity since the opening of the Sydney Metro northwest in May.

In The Ponds patronage has almost doubled to 2000 on a weekly basis, with Cooee Busways operating the permanent service connecting commuters with Tallawong and Rouse Hill Metro stations, and Schofields Station.

Samantha Velasco on her way home from Rouse Hill Metro Station with the on-demand bus. Picture: AAP IMAGE / Angelo Velardo

More than 6000 passenger trips have been made on the new service in eight weeks, with the service running from 5am to 9pm Monday to Friday.

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Transport Minister Andrew Constance said patronage on the service has been strong.

“These figures prove just how much the local community is loving The Ponds On Demand trial,” he said.

Passenger Jebin Varghese enters the On-demand bus at Schofields. Picture: AAP IMAGE / Angelo Velardo

“More than 10,000 passenger trips have been taken since it was launched in May.

“It’s a convenient, professional and on time service bringing more transport options to our customers. These passengers don’t need to rely on timetables, instead they can use these buses when and where they want to.”

Dozens of customers have also reviewed the service, which can be booked using the Busways Cooee smartphone app.

Passenger Samantha Velasco uses the On-demand bus service to get home from Rouse Hill Metro Station. Picture: AAP IMAGE / Angelo Velardo

“(This) means less cars on our roads,” Mr Constance said.

“Instead of relying on timetables, the On Demand service brings transport to the customer — when and where they want it, empowering the customer and giving them more mobility options.”

On Demand bus services were launched in The Ponds on May 27.