Opposition slams B-Line bus service as a ‘white elephant’
THE Opposition says the new $500 million B-Line service is a “white elephant” which will drive commuters into greater frustration instead of reducing travel times.
Mosman
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THE Opposition says the new $500 million B-Line service is a “white elephant” which will drive commuters into greater frustration instead of reducing travel times.
Secret Cabinet documents show the new double-decker bus service, which begins on Sunday (NOV 26), will only improve commutes to the city by as little as six minutes a day.
And the government conceded there will be only 210 extra seats for the thousands of commuters in the 8-9am crush period.
The 31km route will see 38 double-decker limited-stop buses travelling between Newport and the CBD every five minutes in the morning and evening peak periods, and every 10 minutes at other times.
Transport Minister Andrew Constance said the B-Line would deliver a “better, more reliable service with a state-of-the-art new bus fleet”.
However, Opposition Transport spokeswoman Jodi McKay said commuters had every reason to be sceptical about the new service.
“The government has been very bullish in getting this done, and there’s been a lack of community consultation where bus stops have been moved along the route,” Ms McKay said.
“It’s just another transport white elephant.”
She said the B-Line was “ripe for the picking” in the government’s privatisation plans.
“The question is, will the government rule out privatising the B-Line before or after the next election?” Ms McKay said.
Mr Constance flicked this question to his department for a response.
“There are no plans to have the Northern Beaches B-Line run separately out of contract area eight,” a Transport for NSW spokesman said.
The Cabinet documents, obtained by the Opposition under freedom of information laws, also reveal that the government will be running a large-scale advertising campaign for the B-Line over the coming weeks. However, Mr Constance and his department refused to reveal how much was being spent on spruiking the B-Line service.
“The cost of advertising is part of the overall B-Line project budge,” the Transport for NSW spokesman said. “Further details will be disclosed on the E-Tenders website at the appropriate time in line with government regulations.”
Bus lanes on the way
Morning peak hour bus lanes running through Mosman, Cremorne and Neutral Bay are scheduled to begin early next year.
The bus lanes — which will operate from 6-10am — are part of major transport changes to the area, starting with the B-Line bus service on Sunday.
However, Transport for NSW say the T3 will remain in place on busy Spit Rd.
As well as the B-Line, a new E54 bus service will run between Mona Vale, North Sydney and Milsons Point. A new bus indent at Spit Junction will be completed before November 26.