B-Line buses given thumbs up, but other commuters slam changes
COMMUTERS have slammed transport bosses for making their commutes even longer. While the new B-line buses seemed to mostly run smoothly, other travellers faced nightmare commutes.
Manly
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TRAVELLERS have slammed transport bosses for making their commutes even longer, as the new B-Line bus service finally got underway.
Under huge transport changes across Sydney, the $500m new B-Line’s distinctive yellow double decker bus services from Mona Vale to Wynyard launched.
However as reported in the Manly Daily, 23 other routes have been cancelled, including the iconic L90 scrapped at peak hour.
As the changes were tested on Monday morning, some commuters complained they now have to catch two or even three buses to get to work, with others even having double the journey.
Others complained buses didn’t turn up or were late, already full or timetables were wrong.
Some even said they got into their cars instead.
Belinda Wanis wrote on Twitter, “B-Line disaster already from Mona Vale. Huge queues at bus stop. Standing room only on bus.”
On Facebook, Natalie Ward said the changes mean she now must catch two buses from Newport — and the first never turned up.
Alex Ferris said on Facebook: “Kinda feels like with all these deleted stops you guys sacrificed access on the northern beaches for access to the city.”
Lea McIntyre said all the buses passing through Collaroy were full of school kids.
Sam Lees said he’s had 20 minutes added onto his commute.
“Everyone north of Dee Why is now worse off because of your idiocy,” he wrote to Transport NSW.
Read Vos, wrote: “I have gone from catching one bus and a 55 minute commute to Nth Sydney to now catching 2-3 buses and now it’s almost a 2 hour commute.”
Tania Papandrea posted: “What a joke waited 30 mins for a 199 and eventually one sailed straight by full! Ran home drove into work at Manly.”
Alex Wise said: “About 200 kids waiting at the mall to get to Bally Boys. Looks like buses no longer to via Balgowlah?”
However, the actual new B-Line buses were praised — despite the fact not all of the new commuter car parks are ready, some bus stops are still being completed and some information screens on upper desk of buses weren’t working.
On a brand new bus going across the iconic #SpitBridge with front row seats on a double-decker #Bline
— Jessica Amir (@Jessica_Danelle) November 26, 2017
Thank you @TransportforNSW #thankful pic.twitter.com/Tn1pkj8bw7
At some points along the route, multiple yellow buses were travelling nose to tail when they’re supposed to be five minutes apart at peak times.
Ellen Lilley, who got on at Warringah Mall said she was happy: “So far so good,” she said.
Student Michaela Wood, 18, said her journey from Collaroy was “a lot quicker” than usual. “They come every five minutes, it’s the best thing as I usually miss my bus,” she said.
Renato Meireles, 35, said he didn’t have to wait at all to get on, and was able to sit down. “Usually you have to fight for a seat,” he said
But Rob Bowie, 60, from Narrabeen said his journey was similar to normal.
“It’s not a revolution,” he said.
PA Alison Clark, 57, from Dee Why said the trip was good, but said she feared it would get busier when more commuter car parks opened.
“They needed to do something,” she said.
The B-Line will later be extended to Newport.
#northernbeaches #bline longest queue at DY I've ever seen, won't catch it anyways; too many stops to city. Well done #transportnsw
— Katie Wilko (@ginganinjawilko) November 26, 2017
However some locals of the suburb have protested against the plan for reasons including a large roundabout to help buses turn.
As reported in the Manly Daily, a new uber-style mini bus also offers the chance for commuters to get to transport hubs.
Residents of Manly, Balgowlah, Balgowlah Heights, Freshwater, Curl Curl and Queenscliff can now use an app to hail the Ride Plus bus.
Brookvale, Manly Vale, Balgowlah and Manly Wharf are the destination options
It costs $3.10 a journey and buses are guaranteed to arrive within 10 minutes of their ordered time from 6am to 10pm.
Manly MP James Griffin said feedback on bus changes should be given to TfNSW on 131 500, adding: “I will be making sure TfNSW are aware of any challenges being faced by commuters as a result of the timetable change,” he said.