The State Government has agreed to re-route Penrith’s green free shuttle bus to focus more on the CBD, Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian announced today.
Ms Berejiklian said Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres had advocated the changed route after receiving representations from Penrith City Council which believes focusing more on the CBD will increase patronage.
\”The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government is committed to making public transport as attractive as possible because we want to make it easier for people to leave their cars at home,\” Ms Berejiklian said.
\”That means we have to be flexible and I am delighted to say we are prepared to adjust the route of the Penrith shuttle in line with council’s suggestions.
\”My colleague Stuart Ayres been a very vocal supporter of this service and I thank him for his tireless efforts to get the best possible result for his community.\”
Mr Ayres welcomed the NSW Government’s decision to continue funding an improved shuttle bus service.
\”What we had under the previous government was a route which was poorly thought out, lacked consultation and didn’t deliver for local residents,\” Mr Ayres said.
\”We’re prepared to give the concept another shot at success, but this time we’re going to base the route on expert analysis and feedback from the local community.
\”This is a big win for Penrith. I look forward to seeing the Penrith CBD serviced by a shuttle which is actually used by the local community and adds value to those who base their business here.\”
The new route for the shuttle means it will run in and around the Penrith CBD, focusing on Henry Street and High Street, as well as serving the Centro shopping centre, Penrith Station and Westfield Shoppingtown.
The current hours – running every 15 minutes between 9am and 2.30pm on weekdays, and between 9am and 5.30pm on weekends – will be retained.
Ms Berejiklian said representatives of the Department of Transport and council would meet soon to finalise the details, including the stops.
