Waverley Council has voted unanimously to support a Mayoral Minute calling on the state government to rethink plans to cut 25 bus routes in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
Mayor of Waverley, Paula Masselos, said any loss or reduction to bus services in Waverley and surrounds would have a knock-on effect across the region for the tens of thousands of Sydney workers and families who rely on public transport.
"As the community slowly edges towards economic recovery during this ongoing pandemic, the last thing the government should be doing is impeding that recovery by making it harder for people to get to and from work and do business," Mayor Masselos said.
"Waverley is one of the the most densely populated LGAs in Australia with resultant high levels of traffic congestion. Public transport is absolutely essential to help keep cars off our roads and help people quickly get to their destinations. In fact, the eastern suburbs has some of the highest public transport usage in Sydney.
"Concerns have also been raised by schools in the eastern suburbs and families about the proposed reduction in bus services coupled with the already limited services available to local school students.
"School buses are going past full in the morning. Our children need to be able to get to school safely and on time."
Following Tuesday's vote, Mayor Masselos will write to the Premier Gladys Berejiklian, the Minister for Transport, Andrew Constance, Member for Vaucluse, Gabriel Upton, the Member for Coogee, Dr Marjorie O'Neill and Member for Wentworth, Dave Sharma, to push for the protection of bus services.
"The proposed cuts are part of the government's plans to improve connections to the CBD and South East Light Rail, and while we support the use of light rail, it should not be at the expense of our buses," Mayor Masselos said.
"As the community has expressed significant concerns about these cuts, Council must advocate on behalf of its residents and workers by writing to the Premier and Minister but also participating in the online consultation which closes on 18th June."
Bus routes being cut are: 300, 301, 302, 309X, 310X, 314, 316, 317, 338, 353, 357, 372, 373, 376, 377, 391, 393, 394, 395, 400, 400N, L94, X40, X93 and X99.
Bus routes being modified are: 303, 304, 307, 309, 313, 320, 339, 339X, 343, 348, 355, 363, 362, 370, 373X, 364, 374X, 377X, 392, 397, 399, 418, 420 and 420N.
The promised reinstatement of the 378 did not eventuate.
