Friday, July 3rd, 2009
SKINNER SLAMS DECISION TO AXE EVENING MUSGRAVE ST BUS SERVICE
North Shore MP Jillian Skinner said the decision to axe evening ferry/ bus service connections in Musgrave St, Mosman was ``totally unacceptable’’, describing them as essential transport services that must be maintained.
Mrs Skinner said the recent news that Sydney Buses would not provide evening pick-ups after 8pm from the Musgrave St wharf would severely disadvantage residents who wanted to get home from the city in the evening or who were travelling from Mosman down Raglan St.
``This is just not on, there are at least six ferry services after 8pm on weekdays that will be without a bus pick-up.
``The State Government cannot just eliminate essential services and cherry-pick which ones will be maintained when they all provide an essential service.’’
Mrs Skinner said it was laughable that in August last year the State Transit Authority asked residents to comment on proposals to improve bus services and meet growing demand.
``Residents told the Government then that they DID NOT want any changes to the Musgrave St service but their lobbying efforts have been completely ignored,’’ Mrs Skinner said.
The STA claims the changes will ``improve community access to services and better manage passenger loadings ‘’ but this is just laughable for residents in this area of Mosman.
``Musgrave St is an incredibly steep hill and many people – especially the elderly -will simply not be able to walk up the steep inclines. Residents will be prisoners in their own homes.’’
Mrs Skinner said it was further evidence of the State Government’s unreliable and inconsistent approach to public transport services.