Deputy mayor warns free bus service may be ‘huge issue’ for Parramatta

Commuting “chaos” could engulf Parramatta CBD unless bureaucrats reinstate a crucial bus route. The deputy lord mayor has warned transport chiefs the area will suffer if they cancel the free bus service.

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Commuting “chaos” could engulf Sydney’s second CBD unless bureaucrats reinstate a crucial bus route.

Parramatta Deputy Lord Mayor Michelle Garrard has warned the area will suffer if transport chiefs cancel the area’s free bus service.

The bus route, funded by the State Government after being set up by Parramatta Council, is set to be shut down when the Parramatta Light Rail construction starts.

At a council briefing on Monday night, Ms Garrard said Transport for NSW officials were seriously considering ending the bus service permanently.

The free shuttle bus, formerly known as The Loop, connects tourists, residents and commuters to commercial retail and landmarks of Parramatta.

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This would effectively halve the travel options for people in the Parramatta CBD, with light rail services only available on Macquarie and O’Connell streets. The bus route includes those streets as well as Charles, Phillip, Grose and Church streets.

“Having seen the chaos that has plagued the CBD light rail, I would hate to see the same issue play out in Parramatta,” Ms Garrard said.

“The government needs to start listening to the community and understanding the ­importance of this service.

“The CBD is expanding and they need to consider re-routing the bus in order to accommodate the new light rail.”

Parramatta Deputy Lord Mayor Michelle Garrard warned the area could suffer from the loss of the free service.

Western Sydney director of the Sydney Business Chamber Dr David Borger said it could become a “huge issue” if the service was stopped. Picture: Hollie Adams

The route runs every day and takes passengers between Parramatta Leagues Club, Western Sydney Stadium, Prince Alfred Park, Parramatta Wharf and Centenary Square.

Western Sydney Business Chamber executive director David Borger said it will be a “huge issue” for Parramatta if the bus is discontinued.

A Transport for NSW spokesman said: “As identified in the Parramatta Light Rail Environmental Impact Statement in 2017, during the construction of the project, the free shuttle bus will be temporarily discontinued due to difficulties in re-routing.

“The future role of the service will be reviewed as part of broader bus network considerations in the Greater Parramatta Access Plan.”

Early work on Parramatta’s first stage of the light rail has begun. Major construction will begin later this year and the light rail is expected to begin operations in 2023.

Originally published as Deputy mayor warns free bus service may be ‘huge issue’ for Parramatta