City of Newcastle continues to fund Park and Ride buses in hopes for an extended light rail service

The City of Newcastle has decided to continue to fund the Park and Ride buses for another year in the hope that a growing patronage will be enough to make a case for extended light rail in the city. After the state government halted funds for the service earlier this year, the council has been funding the service from month-month.

The council has listened to the community and decided that it is a worthwhile service which helps make public transport convenient and keeps car parks in the city emptier. 120,000 passenger trips have been recorded on the Park and Ride service with over 1,000 regular weekly users since it’s arrival in late 2017. The service is reliable, convenient and cost-saving. Commuters are happier spending $900 less on average just by taking the bus.

Tram and Bus Divisional Secretary, David Babineau welcomes the news, saying, “we’re really encouraged by the City of Newcastle’s commitment to the service. While the NSW Government has dropped the ball on transport in Newcastle, the local council is stepping up and investing in new services to alleviate the pressure on our roads and show that they really care for the services commuters need.”

“We hope to see the patronage numbers increase enough to see an extended light rail service be put in place. We’re sure that this will be welcomed by commuters and staff alike. The council is definitely on the right track.”