B-Line bus snub in North Sydney a ‘missed opportunity’ for lower north shore’s commercial heart

NORTH SYDNEY has been snubbed by the State Government’s rapid transit B-Line bus service and the local council wants to know why.

North Sydney has been snubbed by the State Government’s new rapid transit B-Line bus. Picture: John Appleyard

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NORTH SYDNEY Council is concerned that its commercial heart has been ignored in plans for a new rapid bus corridor.

The B-Line will shuttle commuters from the Northern Beaches direct to Sydney’s CBD from late next year.

It will see buses arriving every ten minutes at stops from Mona Vale to Neutral Bay.

“In its current form, the Northern Beaches B-line BRT project represents a missed opportunity in terms of the provision of improved services between the northern beaches and North Sydney,” wrote Nigel Turner the council’s strategic transport planner in a report.

The B-Line bus service is scheduled to start operation between the northern beaches and the city from late 2017.

The council document points out that North Sydney is a major employment hub.

Census data shows that more than 8000 commuters travel to North Sydney for work from both the Northern Beaches and Mosman.

Commuter trips to North Sydney make up 26 per cent of all potential commuter trips along the new bus corridor.

Transport for NSW stated that it may roll out better bus services to North Sydney as part of an overall plan when asked about the council’s concerns.

“To support the Northern Beaches B-Line, Transport for NSW is also examining opportunities to improve bus services between Mona Vale and North Sydney, including peak express and other all-stop services,” a spokeswoman said.

“These services would follow the same route as the B-Line between Neutral Bay and the Northern Beaches.”

North Sydney is serviced by a major railway station.

The lack of a North Sydney stop is not the council’s only concern.

Proposed clearways could see the loss of on-street parking, which may have an effect on property values in Neutral Bay and Cremorne.

“Parked vehicles not only provide a buffer between the footway walking environment and the on-road traffic environment, they also create side friction, which naturally slows traffic speeds,” said a council spokeswoman.

“Reducing the walkability of the Cremorne and Neutral Bay precincts has the potential to negatively affect business activity and property values.”

There will also be a stop on the new Sydney Metro rail line at Victoria Cross.

Transport for NSW said that the proposal to “improve bus priority” by extending restrictions on kerb-side parking will be subject to an assessment of impacts and the development of an offset parking strategy. This will be done in consultation with council and businesses.