Following a series of complaints from commuters, the Newcastle bus network is scheduled to undergo changes.
Newcastle’s bus operation service, Keolis Downer, revealed that the amendments to the timetable will include direct services from Eastern Lake Macquarie to Charlestown Square and Westfield Kotara, and will be effective in July of this year.
The changes followed the widespread outrage of passengers who had to catch up to three buses to reach their destination when it used to be a direct route.
General Manager Mark Dunlop said in an interview with triplem.com.au, that they were giving the network time to settle and will use feedback from the community and the Newcastle Transport staff to make refinements.
He added that the refinements would aim to address the bulk of customer feedback received on the current network since its implementation earlier this year.
Some of the changes Newcastle commuters can expect in their bus network include:
- Improved links for eastern Lake Macquarie and allow a direct connection from Cardiff and Macquarie Hills to Kotara
- Direct services between Swansea Heads, Charlestown and CBD
- Better access to the region’s largest providers for people with disabilities: House with No Steps at Lambton
- Find better options for connections between Cardiff South and Charlestown
More news about the revamped bus network will be available to the public from June to July. In the meantime, to avoid the hassle of taking public transport, rent a car from Alpha Car Hire’s Newcastle branch to get around easier.