Liberals promise Dee Why to Chatswood rapid bus service if elected

Buses could soon run every 10 minutes between Dee Why and Chatswood as the State Government pledges to replicate the successful B-Line service if elected. SEE THE PLAN.

An artist impression map showing where the planned service will run.

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Buses could soon run every 10 minutes between Dee Why and Chatswood as the State Government plans to replicate the successful B-Line service.

In a major pre-State Election pledge, the Liberal Party has said the rapid turn-up-and-go, service will be brought to life if the party is re-elected. The service would have buses running every 10 minutes between 6am and 10pm, every day.

The B-Line bus service has so far proven to be a huge success. Picture: AAP Image / Julian Andrews

The Liberals are also promising a new express service running from Mona Vale to Macquarie Park which is expected to cut at least 30 minutes off the current 197 service.

“We have previously focused on passengers travelling north to south,” Pittwater MP Rob Stokes said. “This is now great news for those travelling from east to west.”

Manly MP James Griffin said the new Dee Why to Chatswood service will have just nine stops along the route, notably including the Northern Beaches Hospital.

The service will start at the existing B-Line stop in Dee Why on Pittwater Rd at Howard Ave.

It would then stop at Narraweena at Warringah Rd at Alfred St followed by Beacon Hill, Warringah Rd at Willandra Rd. Next stop would be Frenchs Forest Business Park, Warringah Rd at Jones Street followed by a stop outside the Northern Beaches Hospital.

Liberal MPs Rob Stokes, Brad Hazzard, Jonathan O'Dea and James Griffin with Premier Gladys Berejiklian.

Forest Way Shopping Centre is next before reaching Forestville, Warringah Rd at Starkey St.

Roseville Chase, Babbage Rd at Allan St, is the penultimate stop before the service reaches Chatswood Interchange.

“We know commuters on the northern beaches have embraced the B-Line and I look forward to working with Transport for NSW and the community after the election to deliver this new service,” Mr Griffin said.

Wakehurst MP Brad Hazzard said the new service will save valuable time for thousands of people on the northern beaches.

Northern Beaches Council Mayor Michael Regan. Picture: Adam Yip / Manly Daily

Davidson MP Jonathan O’Dea said it was also great news for motorists.

“Not only will this benefit bus users but it will ease congestion on the roads for those who have to use a car. It’s great news.”

At present the route between Dee Why and Chatswood is poorly serviced. The Manly Daily and Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan have been advocating for many years for an east to west express route.

“I’m ecstatic,” Mr Regan said. “The B-Line has been a success from north to south and it will be a success from east to west. It is something I have campaigned for a long time and credit to the government and local members for listening.” Mr Stokes said the overhaul of the current 197 service will provide a huge boost for students and workers in the north of the peninsula.

The x197, as it will be called, will carve 30 minutes off the journey from Mona Vale to Macquarie Park with dozens of stops cut out.

The x197 will take over from the 197 during peak hours from Monday to Friday (6am to 10am and 4pm to 7pm). Notably the service will no longer divert to Gordon Station.

“It is great news for the thousands of workers and students travelling to Macquarie Park every day,” Mr Stokes MP said.