Council reluctant to expand free shuttle service
BY ALEXANDRA BEECH
Council will not increase its funding for the popular Village to Village shuttle bus next year, despite increased passenger numbers which have meant the free service is now stretched to the limit.
Last Friday, passengers were left waiting at Poet’s Corner in Glebe because there were too many people to fit on the buses. South Sydney Community Transport then had to secure an extra bus to carry the remaining commuters.
“My driver’s worst fear [is] that he turns up and he’s already got a full bus and there’s two people waiting to go to the hospital,” said SSCT manager Jane Rogers.
Ms Rogers lobbied council for an extension of the service to five days a week but said it was likely the extra runs would not be sponsored and they would get less money for promotions.
“Last year it was more expensive because it was a lot of my time and a lot of promotion to get it out there’ What I originally asked for was a five day service for the Glebe run and a two day service for the Woolloomooloo,” Ms Rogers said.
The buses currently run on Thursdays and Fridays, providing free travel for the inner city’s transport-disadvantaged residents.
The service has grown in popularity since 2007, with 726 passengers using the Redfern to Glebe run and 882 using the Redfern to Woolloomooloo run last September.
Council spokesman Josh MacKenzie said it was proposed that council fund the program again next year, but an extension of days was unlikely.
“The recommendation to those councillors is to continue funding the service in its current way,” Mr MacKenzie said.
For Village to Village passenger Grace Hiaka the extra days would be welcome, as she is already enjoying the benefits of the bus service.
“I can go to the hospital, I can go to the market and get fresh fruit and vegetables’ it’s a godsend,” Ms Hiaka said.
The service was created to make up for a lack of transport available to less mobile passengers from Woolloomooloo, Potts Point, Glebe, Darlinghurst, Surry Hills and Redfern to the hospital and shops.
The proposal to continue sponsorship of the program will be resolved by council next Monday [to be updated after council meets on Monday].
