Central Coast Council has today welcomed the NSW Minister for Transport, the Hon Andrew Constance MP’s, announcement of an on-demand commuter shuttle bus service trial on the Peninsula.

The announcement comes as a NSW Parliamentary inquiry into commuter car parking across NSW is currently underway. Council put in a formal submission to the inquiry highlighting the importance of public transport connections across the region.

The Woy Woy peninsula pilot is one of only eight locations being trialled across Sydney and outer metro areas, which Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, believes is a win for the community.

“This announcement recognises there are obstacles our residents encounter in order to use the public transport on offer,” Mr Reynolds said.

“I welcome the State Government’s initiative in creating this innovative option to encourage commuters to use public transport.

“This trial will help our Peninsula community to reach their public transport hub destination quickly and easily, without the worry of getting a commuter car park spot.

“If the trial is successful, we could see multi car families go to single vehicles, saving costs and having a great alternative to the other options potentially available such as walking and cycling to the station.”

On demand services will commence early next year allowing residents to book a vehicle, either online or via an app, to collect them from home, existing transports hubs or another convenient location.

The Government has indicated the trial will operate Monday to Friday during peak times of 5:30am to 7:30am and 5:30 to 7:30pm using a combination of taxis, hire cars and community transport vehicles. It will have a standard rate of $3.10 for trips less than 3kms, and $4.10 for trips greater than 3kms one way. Half price fares will be available to concession card holders.

Mr Reynolds highlighted this trial was a step in the right direction to tackle commuter car parking issues and help residents easily access public transport connections to get to their jobs.

“With such a large number of our residents travelling beyond the Coast for work and study, it is essential we work alongside the NSW State Government in order to deliver improved outcomes for our community,” Mr Reynolds added.

“We will continue to work on strategies to deal with parking issues across the Coast to not only assist commuters across the region, but also improve our local economy.

“We look forward to working with the State Government to find practical solutions for our community.”

The State Government have assured the community this trial will not alter existing local bus services.