Narrabri Shire Council is asking the NSW Government to ensure it supports local school bus services following the release of the Bus Industry Taskforce’s Directions for On-Street Transit White Paper.
The White Paper, released Wednesday by State Transport Minister Jo Haylen, outlines key challenges and a way forward to deliver more equitable provision of bus services for passengers in Western Sydney and across NSW.
Narrabri Shire Mayor Darrell Tiemens urged the NSW Government to consider rural areas of the state that also required accessible public transport options.
“A number of our community members across the Shire are concerned, in particular, about the availability of school bus services between Narrabri and Wee Waa,” Cr Tiemens said.
“Following an approved motion at the August 2023 Ordinary Meeting, Council wrote to Transport for NSW and relevant Ministers, highlighting the challenges in accessing suitable school bus transport between these two areas.
“Council further requested the reallocation of the current bus, which is underutilised to urgently establish this service.”
Cr Tiemens said transport connectivity between Wee Waa and Narrabri was a long-standing issue for the local community.
“Concerns include equity of choice, safety of students and impediments to retaining youth and school-aged children in our Shire.
“The NSW Government has made a considerable investment with the $49-million redevelopment of Wee Waa High School which is anticipated to open early next year,” Cr Tiemens added.
“We welcome this significant investment and thank the NSW Government for upgrading these facilities for our young people.
“Understandably, this redevelopment will see more families in surrounding areas eager to send their children to Wee Waa High School.
“Therefore, to support our young people and their families, we ask the NSW Government to establish this sorely needed bus transport service for students.
“Council understands Wee Waa High School has also been in discussions with Transport for NSW around this request and submitted a business case to support the establishment of this service.”
Following on from writing to Transport for NSW, Council was informed its submission was forwarded to the NSW Bus Industry Taskforce for consideration.
“We have been informed that the Taskforce will be engaging with people through Bus Passenger Forums across the state, to hear from the community first-hand regarding bus services,” Cr Tiemens said.
“Together with our community, Council looks forward to the opportunity to engage directly with Transport for NSW representatives, and further advocate and support local students and their families in their request for this school bus service.”
Consultation and feedback through the Bus Industry Taskforce is open until 31 March 2024.
To find out more about the Bus Industry Taskforce, take the survey, make a submission, or register for an in-person session, visit the Have Your Say page.