BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE
Newcastle's updated bus and ferry timetable is being met with criticism, following private transport operator Keolis Downer's unveiling this morning.
The updated timetable includes improvements to routes like the 14 between Swansea and the Newcastle, restoring a direct link into the CBD.
Swansea MP Yasmin Catley said those in her electorate are relieved they no longer have to jump aboard three buses to reach the city, however believes long journey times are still posing an inconvenience.
The Swansea to Newcastle link departing at 7:56am now takes 87 minutes to reach its destination.
"It now takes longer to get from Swansea Heads to Newcastle than it did before Keolis Downer introduced the new network," Ms Catley said.
"That's just not good enough," she continued, "it is not incentivising people to use public transport and at the end of the day, that's supposed to be our objective - getting cars off the roads and bums on seats on buses."
Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery accused Keolis Downer of 'robbing Peter to pay Paul' in providing vital services to Lake Macquarie but reducing services within her electorate.
"Not only were no changes made in parts of North Lambton, Lambton and Shortland, but now we will see reduced services to Wallsend as part of the refinements," Ms Hornery said.
Meanwhile, Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp is disappointed the July 29 refinements will mark the loss of 92 ferry services, made up of 10 cuts on weekends and 21 throughout the week.
"When ferry patronage is the only form of transport increasing," he said, "why would you cut services?"
In a tweet, the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce said it's disappointing no buses have been restored to travel down Beaumont Street.
However, Corporate Affairs Director for Keolis Downer, Andrew Fletcher, said the changes come as a direct result of community feedback.
"We've received over 2500 pieces of community feedback and we've analysed over 90,000 trips," he said, "changes like the direct connection for House With No Steps at Lambton address the bulk of concerns and make for a more efficient network."
Mr Fletcher said Keolis Downer would double their efforts to make sure commuters were aware of which routes to take amid the shake-up.
"From today, people will be able to study the new timetables applying to buses, school and ferry services," he said.
An overview of the refinements along with updated network maps and timetables is available
here.
Community drop-in sessions will be held by the network operator at the following locations:
Swansea Centre 228 Pacific Highway Swansea Monday 9 July 2018 4pm to 6pm.
Lake Macquarie Tavern 66 Wilsons Road Mount Hutton Tuesday 10 July 2018 4pm to 5.30pm.
The Place, Charlestown Frederick St, Charlestown Wednesday 11 July 2018 4pm to 6pm.
