A bus transit system could be the answer to solving congestion on the Northern Beaches, according to an international transport expert asked to assess the area by Manly MP Mike Baird.

“It’s critically important that we improve public transport so it is a viable alternative to the car, which it is simply not at the moment for Northern Beaches residents,” said Mr Baird.

“We have been considering many options for solving Spit congestion and relying on the guidance of experts, and it seems a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system is a potentially feasible way of unclogging roads on the Peninsula.”

Mr Frits Olyslagers, Director of Transtech Engineering, believes a BRT system from Newport to the city could reduce the journey time by 40% and convert 15-20% of car users to public transport.

“This would mean 9,000 fewer cars every morning on the Spit and a 45 minute journey time to the city on the bus from Newport.”

Mr Baird said the proposition is that a dedicated bus lane would allow buses to run every two minutes and carry 7.5 times the number of people in a car lane.

“It is high capacity similar to a rail system, however as it takes advantage of existing road infrastructure it is less than 5% of the cost. It moves a lot quicker than a standard bus lane because the system is synchronised by a control centre,” Mr Baird said.

“We’re also very conscious of trying to make it easier for people who want to travel by bicycle. Current bike lanes are not adequate. The BRT system would need to integrate with cycleways and capacity for bike racks at the bus stops would be essential.”

Mr Baird said he would ask Transport Minister John Watkins and Roads Minister Eric Roozendaal to undertake a feasibility study for a BRT system on the Northern Beaches. He said similar systems are proving to be effective in easing traffic congestion in France, Brazil and Bangkok.

“Obviously community concerns along the corridor mean it is a challenge but, lets see if the experts say it can be done.

“People are so much more conscious now of saving water and turning off their lights, now we need an efficient public transport system to coax us out of our cars.”

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