Pittwater MP notes the NSW Government’s budget announcement of 60 new buses and confirms eight bendy buses will return in the coming months.
“At the beginning of this year we were fighting to have the bus crisis recognised, and now we have a huge funding in the budget for 60 new buses and a commitment to bus transport in NSW, including the Northern Beaches. Although the new buses have been previously announced, commitment in the Budget is something to celebrate.
“Following my question of the Government in Question Time on 15 May, I can also announce that 8 more bendy buses will be returning from repair for Term 3, providing much needed relief as bus issues continue.”
However, Ms Scruby says her constituents don’t care about announcements, they want the situation to improve on the ground.
“We still have unacceptable number of cancellations on key routes to the city each day – 2 to 3 on the 190X route which is already had its timetable slashed. People are opting to take the car instead of the bus as they just can’t rely on buses anymore. This must change.”
Ms Scruby notes that she has called for the NSW Government to do more.
“It’s 2025 and yet when it comes to buses ‘real time data’ is never available. I have more knowledge of when a shark is entering Palm Beach via the Shark Smart App than when the 190X is turning up. Keolis Downer needs to better manage operations, particularly in afternoons when 199 and 190x connections can be up to 20 minutes and Wynard can be diabolical.”
Focus must shift to the huge issue of bus driver shortages which the Government confirms is contributing to the issues we are seeing on the Northern Beaches. “There’s no point having a fleet of buses with no one to drive them. Both Keolis Downer and the State Government need to identify the barriers to driver uptake and retention and address them, including cost of living considerations.”
“Bus transportation must improve for people on the Northern Beaches, and I’ll be fighting to have the 190X original timetable reinstated and a long-term strategic plan developed. We currently have one of the longest commutes to the city – that’s got to change.”