Rob Stokes critical of campaign to block the B-Line extension to Newport
A campaign against expanding a rapid bus transport system on Sydney’s northern beaches has been criticised by Pittwater MP Rob Stokes, who said the ‘ridiculous and misleading rumours’ had led to its ‘disappointing’ cancellation.
Manly
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A CAMPAIGN against the B-Line extension to Newport has been criticised by Pittwater MP Rob Stokes who said the “ridiculous and misleading rumours” had led to its “disappointing” cancellation.
Following overwhelming community concerns, Transport for NSW rescinded its offer of a B-Line stop at Newport, but has offered to look at other options to improve the bus network north of Mona Vale.
“Ultimately, if people don’t want a new service there are plenty of communities around the state who would,” he said.
“There were some ridiculous and misleading rumours being spread around the community — however the reality was the complexity of the underground utility relocations, and the time frames involved, simply weren’t practical,” Mr Stokes said.
“There was no proposal to build a bus terminal, no proposal to remove rows of trees, no proposal to construct new car parks and no proposal to introduce clearways.
“The most disappointing and mischievous rumour being peddled around the community was that the B-Line would somehow change planning and development rules. This is simply not true.”
Mr Stokes, a Newport resident said it was “disappointing that misinformation was influential”.
“Transport for NSW took the time to undertake the necessary investigations, they did their homework and they listened to the community,” he said.
“Nevertheless, I’m determined to see improvements to public transport services north of Mona Vale and I’m strongly advocating for this.”
Mr Stokes said he would now advocate very strongly for more express services.
“The good news is that money that would be spent on the Newport extension can be spent further down the corridor to improve bus transport for all the northern beaches.”
He argued that a lot of people North of Mona Vale had wanted the extension, but had not raised their voices.
“There were a lot of people keen for the B — line but there is a list of older people north of MV who were not supportive and were concerned it would change the character, I don’t believe that was the case, but I am elected to serve the communities wishes.”
A Transport for NSW Spokesman said early community consultation on the draft concept for the extension to Newport was undertaken with customers, local residents and community groups between October 10 and December last year.
“Community members and stakeholders were encouraged to provide feedback via a number of channels including email, mail, the B-Line website, phone contact with the project team, a targeted newsletter drop and attendance at a community information drop in sessions,” he said.
“In response, we received more than 1100 formal submissions, with approximately 85 per cent of the feedback either opposing the roundabout proposal or giving preference to improving existing bus services.
“The feedback received from the community and stakeholders, along with additional complexities identified during the site investigations undertaken earlier this year, has resulted in Transport for NSW reviewing how we can best service customers north of Mona Vale.”