Member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea, wants to know the average waiting time for a government bus.
He hopes the answer is much shorter than the time taken for the State Government to advise the outcome of forums on local bus services.
“I provided input to The Ministry of Transport’s Regional Stakeholder Forums on local bus services in July last year,” Mr O’Dea said.
“Twelve months later I have been advised by the Ministry of Transport that the forums have provided useful information, which along with the presentations, has been placed on a website (only available to those with a login and a password!)
“If it takes this long to get this far, how long will it take to see worthwhile bus reform, let alone catch a bus under any revamped – and hopefully improved – scheme?” Mr O’Dea asked.
“Given the slow pace of progress, the Ministry of Transport has advised there is still time for stakeholders and community members to be involved in the planning process – and I would encourage them to do so,” Mr O’Dea said.
“I understand transport planners have used information from the forum and subsequent consultations, to prepare a draft integrated network.
“I am told the proposed network is based on a balance of needs by all stakeholders, including the community, bus operators and various government agencies.
“However, now that more than twelve months has lapsed since the forum, I believe it’s time to act – before we all miss the bus!” Mr O’Dea said.
“I call on the government to put the finishing touches to the plan, and introduce a better local bus network that meets the needs of people, both now and in the future.
“It needs to have broad community appeal so that more people leave their private vehicles at home in favour of public transport – to the benefit of our environment, infrastructure and our hip pocket,” Mr O’Dea concluded.
