New bus service for Herald Avenue seniors

09/04/2009

Residents of Perth’s south-eastern suburbs would have improved access to local facilities thanks to the introduction of a new bus service.

Transport Minister Simon O’Brien said today that it was public feedback that helped shape the decision to introduce the new 205 service starting later this month.

“A similar service, formerly bus route 155, was cancelled with the introduction of the Mandurah Line and feeder bus services were implemented to link its stations,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Given the level of community concern about this specific route and access to facilities and shopping centres in the area, I requested Transperth to review the decision.

“Enabling people who don’t have cars, to move around town for shopping, entertainment, or to visit friends, is important and helps build a stronger sense of community.

“The new 205 service will provide direct access to the Herald Avenue Senior Citizens Centre as well as Riverton Leisureplex, Booragoon Shopping Centre and the Cannington and Bull Creek train stations.
 
“This new service reflects the Liberal-National Government’s commitment to responding to community concern and providing a frequent and reliable bus service.”

The new route will run Monday to Friday from Tuesday, April 28, (after the Anzac Day public holiday).  It will leave Cannington Train Station at 9.12am, 10.42am, 12.12pm and 1.42pm.  The 40-minute service will end at Booragoon Shopping Centre and then leave the centre for a return journey at 9.55am, 11.25am, 12.55pm, 2.25pm and 3.55pm.

The Minister said the service would be operating on a trial basis and would be reviewed in 12 months time.

“The decision about whether the service is required will be made after Transperth has monitored the level of patronage the trial service attracts,” he said.

Riverton MLA Dr Mike Nahan, who has championed the issue on behalf of the community since being elected, said the new bus route would make a major difference to local people’s lives.

“This is an enormous win for the community and especially for our seniors. The previous Labor government’s decision to axe the bus route virtually made local seniors prisoners in their own homes.  It effectively stopped their public transport access to many of the popular local destinations and limited their participation within our community,” Dr Nahan said.

“The Liberal-National Government’s decision to implement the 205 service, on top of its new daily free public transport on bus, train and ferry travel, shows a willingness to listen to the community’s concerns and work hard to address them.” Transperth timetables would be delivered to the Herald Avenue Senior Citizens Centre and the electorate office of Riverton MLA Dr Mike Nahan before the service started.