Lobby
group supports
Expansion of Bus Depot
Action for Public Transport (NSW) claim depot opponents are "misguided".
Action for Public Transport (NSW)
PO Box K 606, Haymarket NSW 1240
MEDIA RELEASE 5th September 2001
RETAIN LEICHHARDT DEPOT
Leichhardt Bus Depot should be retained and, if necessary, expanded on its present site, according to the consumer group Action for Public Transport. The expansion is not absurd, as claimed by its opponents, they say. Rather, the opposition is misguided.
A spokesman for APT, Allan Miles, said that the depot is the base for providing the current excellent bus services in the Leichhardt, Rozelle, Balmain, Annandale and Glebe areas as well as along Parramatta Road. The campaign "to remove the depot from that site" would mean additional expense for the State Transit Authority (STA) in running the buses to and from a more distant location, if, indeed, one could be found, said Mr Miles.
This is typical of the attitude of much local government, Mr Miles said, who always favour improving the public transport in their area, but rarely do anything about it, and often actvely oppose and block it.
Historical records show that a tram and bus depot has been on the site since June 1915, Mr Miles said, so local residents knew it was there when they arrived.
Leichhardt Council says roads within the municipality are congested at peak periods and more non-road based transport is required. Mr Miles said he agreed with this, and pointed out that the STA last month re-routed the 445 bus to connect with the tram terminus at Lilyfield. However, said Mr Miles, the tram line to the city is of no use to people who want to go to Parramatta Road. We still need bus services there, he said.
In any case, said Mr Miles, it is not just more non-road based transport that is needed, but less private transport. People should consider whether they really need to drive to the shops or the restaurants, he said, and thinj about taking a bus, riding a bike, or even walking.
Groups opposing the depot expansion said that increased bus movements would endanger school children. However, Mr Miles said that all children at nearby Leichhardt High at least 11 or 12 years old and should know how to look after themselves. Also, he said, bus drivers are professionals, not amateurs like the mums who double park outside the school gates and across the pedestrian crossings.
(END)
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