Schofields: Petition for more parking gathers 10,000 signatures

THE parking crisis at Schofields, Riverstone and Quakers Hill stations has taken a positive turn with a petition to solve the problem notching up 10,000 signatures.

Fourth from left: Stephen Bali, Annemarie Christie, Jodi Mackay, councillor Moninder Singh. Far right is councillor Chris Quilkey. Petition gathers 10, 000 signatures calling for more parking at Schofields train station.

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THE parking crisis at Schofields, Riverstone and Quakers Hill stations has taken a positive turn with a petition to solve the problem notching up 10,000 signatures.

This enables Opposition transport spokeswoman Jodi McKay to raise the matter in Parliament, where it can be debated ahead of the March 23 State Election.

The looming Budget and poll is fuelling hope the State Government will allocate more parking at the stations — particularly Schofields, where drivers are forced to park up to 1km from the transport hub.

Schofields train station carpark fills up rapidly. Picture: Joel Carrett

“We would really like to see something in the Budget in the next few weeks with these train stations, in particular Schofields,’’ Riverstone Labor candidate Annemarie Christie said.

“If the government fails to deliver, the people will make it known in March next year.”

The government said 60 commuter car spaces were in the pipeline for Schofields but multi-deck parking was considered the best long-term solution.

A multi-deck carpark is seen as the best solution for the parking crisis.

Last month Transport for NSW said the upgrade would proceed but could not provide a timeline.

The update is welcome news for residents such as Schofields’ Wayne Gatt, who avoids the station and parks at Marayong where he can get a reasonable spot before 7am. The accountant, who commutes to Parramatta or the city three days a week, has not used Schofields for six months.

“There’s still more people to move in and underdeveloped land,’’ he said.

“What’s it going to be like in a couple of years?

“A lot of people say Tallawong station will solve that problem but you have to look at the statistics to see how many people are moving to Rouse Hill and Box Hill. It will fill up quickly.”

Riverstone state Liberal MP Kevin Conolly said he recently organised for Transport for NSW staff to visit Schofields station and examine extra parking there.

“I welcome the support of the 10,000 people who have signed the petition, backing up the ongoing representations I have been making to the Minister for Transport for more parking at these three stations and for improved bus access so that more travellers