If Sydney Buses cancels a bus service, the route should be opened up to private operators, said Member for Manly Mike Baird who is concerned about the ongoing reduction of bus services on the peninsula.

“Sydney Buses basically has a monopoly in the Manly area so if they decide to discontinue a service, commuters are left stranded,” Mr Baird said.

“Why not open these cancelled routes up to private operators to compete for and consider taking on?

“In 2006 there were 270 bus services cancelled in the Manly area alone, including the 141 North Balgowlah service, which I have tried to get reinstated.

“There are a number of aged residents who are isolated by the loss of the 141 – this is a community need that should not be swept under the Sydney Buses’ managerial carpet.

“While there have recently been four more E70s added to service the morning peak, routes continue to be cancelled.  The E68 from Milsons Point to Balgowlah no longer operates and commuters are now expected to catch a bus to Neutral Bay and transfer.

“It doesn’t make sense that as traffic worsens, greenhouse gas emissions increase and petrol prices climb, that the State Government see it fit to cut bus services.

“As it stands at the moment, if the Iemma Government cancels a route because it deems it financially unviable, then there’s no other option. Private operators should be able to compete to run this service to fill the void for commuters.

“It’s about putting a community first proposition back into our bus system. Some routes may be better serviced by a smaller bus, particularly daytime services that elderly people rely on.

“It could be a requirement of the contract that the operator fulfil a number of ‘community kilometres’ – those prioritised on community need rather than solely what’s lucrative.

“Unfortunately we must look at other options as the NSW Government has proved it is not in touch with the reality of commuting in Sydney.”

Mr Baird said the Transport Minister recently stated a bus takes 35 minutes to get from Dee Why to Wynyard during the morning peak. However, Sydney Buses’ own timetable says it takes up to 55 minutes.

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