Fears Northern beaches B-Line buses will ‘kill’ shopping on Military Rd

SHOP owners fear new B-Line bus lanes on Military and Spit Rds will hurt retail trade as customers won’t be able to park.

Gerard Barrios is worried about the new bus lanes. Picture: Virginia Young

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CAFE owner Gerard Barrios fears his business is at risk if the planned B-Line wipes out parking spots.

The rapid transit bus network from the northern beaches to the city was a major winner in the Budget, with $210 million allocated.

It could lead to changes along Spit and Military roads, with the possibility of 24-hour bus lanes.

Investigations are under way into the need to “relocate on-street parking”, the project’s website states.

Artist’s impression of the B-line. Picture: Supplied

Mr Barrios fears his Don Adan cafe on Spit Rd is going to suffer.

“If we are going to sacrifice more parking for the sake of buses, we are at a big risk,” he said.

“I’m passionate about it because it’s not just my living, it’s my community.”

His concerns were echoed by the Neutral Bay Chamber of Commerce.

Rick Doran fears the shops on Military Rd are at risk. Picture: Annika Enderborg

Military Rd already has parking restrictions during rush hours and co-president Rick Doran believes bus lanes could spell the end for the shops.

“The reason why it’s a problem is we start to become like Parramatta Rd,” he said.

“Shoppers can’t stop. It will kill the shopping along here.”

Transport for NSW said it was investigating bus priority initiatives on the entire northern beaches B-Line service corridor.

Spit Junction is busy during rush hour. Picture: David Swift

“We are thoroughly assessing impacts on traffic and parking,” a spokeswoman said.

“Community consultation on any options for changes to current parking arrangements is expected to begin in early 2017 and we’ll be working closely with residents and businesses as part of this process.”

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