Dominic Perrottet: Bring back our buses
Northwest Sydney commuters’ bus revolt is gaining momentum after the NSW Treasurer urged the Transport Minister to restore services that were cut in his electorate.
Northern District Times
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A massive government backflip on axed bus services could happen after Epping MP Dominic Perrottet has urged his own government to restore journeys following public backlash.
From July 29, several buses have been cut or reduced after the Metro rail network started, upsetting 30,000 northwest Sydney commuters who signed a petition requesting the buses be reinstated.
In a letter sent to Transport Minister Andrew Constance yesterday, Mr Perrottet said schools and organisations were among those who had contacted his office complaining about the changes to the 620X, 621, 625, 626, 632, 633 and 642X.
“I realise that these changes are significant in terms of their impact on transport resources and planning,’’ Mr Perrottet said.
“However, I ask you to consider restoring these services given the strong community feedback.”
He outlined suggested changes from the community including restoring the axed 621 service from Castle Hill to Wynyard via Cherrybrook, West Pennant Hills, Beecroft, Cheltenham and Macquarie Park.
Mr Perrottet said the cut mostly hit commuters who had to endure significantly longer journeys in off-peak time.
Other suggestions included restoring the 642X service for residents in West Pennant Hills and Dural and bringing back the 620X late evening service after the 8.40pm and 9.40pm buses were cut.
Mr Perrottet also advocated for an extra 625 or 632 service from Pennant Hills station to Mount St Benedict’s College, because students now faced overcrowded buses.
He said additional services to Cherrybrook station and northern Cherrybrook were also needed after the 626 service experienced a surge in patronage because of changes to other routes.
“It only runs every 30 minutes and is a particularly slow and meandering way to get from the northern part of Cherrybrook to the Metro station,’’ he said.
Constituents said a more direct service would be an improvement.
Mr Constance said his office had reviewed Opal data and observed travel patterns since the changes to bus services were made.
“My office has also been in discussions with the treasurer and his office about the feedback he’s received and we’ve asked Transport for NSW to have a look at services in the Cherrybrook area in particular,’’ he said.
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