More Local Bus Services for Heffron

This week I welcomed additional bus services that will be put on to cope with expected increased patronage linked to continued high petrol prices and the recent interest rate rise.

State Transit will run six additional bus services in the AM and PM peaks on local bus routes as high petrol prices and interest rates spark a return to public transport – an average of 60,000 more passengers a week are using buses this year.

Hardworking local families were being hit hard by the high price of petrol and bigger mortgage repayments. State Transit will put on extra buses in the AM and PM peaks to ensure there’s enough capacity for an expected upswing in bus commuting.

This gives commuters a cheaper option than driving and a bit of relief on their weekly budgets. Running a car is getting more and more expensive – that’s why good local transport options are vital for commuters.

The cost of a weekly bus ticket is just a fraction of the cost of running a car – usually around 90 per cent less expensive.  It makes sense to look at what’s more cost effective and if possible switch to the bus.

State Transit will also utilise more high-capacity articulated ‘bendy’ buses after the fleet of these vehicles was recently increased through the purchase of 80 new state of the art articulated buses.

The additional services included:

Extra AM and PM services via Surry Hills on Route 301, using high-capacity:

From Mascot to the City, departing at 7:20am
From the City to Mascot, departing at 5:05pm, 5:15pm, 5:20pm, 6:05pm, 6:15pm and 6:38pm
From the City to Eastlakes, departing at 5:10pm, 5:35pm and 6:10pm
From Rosebery (Gardeners Rd) to the City, departing at 7:25am and 7:51am
From Zetland to the City, departing at 8:16am

Extra AM and PM services on Botany Road Route 309, using some high capacity:

From Banksmeadow to the City, departing at 7:54am
From Mascot to the City, departing at 7:54am
From the City to Matraville Hotel, departing at 5:22pm and 5:29pm

Extra AM and PM services via Rosebery on Route 343:

From Rosebery to the City, departing at 7:45am
From the City to Kingsford, departing at 3:37pm, 4:28pm and 5:18pm

From Kristina Keneally's Heffron E-Herald 18 August 2006