WANNEROO councillors have voted for their chief executive officer to write to the Perth Transport Authority requesting a reassessment of the bus routes to the Yanchep, Eglinton and Alkimos stations, particularly the bus services provided to schools in the northern suburbs of the city.
North ward councillor Sonet Coetzee’s motion said residents had been adversely impacted by the changes to the bus routes in Two Rocks, Yanchep, Eglinton and Alkimos since the start of train services to Yanchep.
Cr Coetzee said several residents had contacted her regarding the effects the changes made to the bus routes.
She highlighted the 490 and 491 routes and said the changes in the bus route had also affected residents travelling to the Yanchep Central Shopping Centre.
“One of the major issues that has come to my attention is the recent changes to the 490 bus route,’’ she said.
“Previously, this route provided vital transportation for students from Two Rocks to schools such as Northshore Christian Grammar School and stopped at the Butler train station.
“But the recent alterations to the route have had a significant impact, as students are now left without direct bus services to their schools.
“This has created inconvenience for both students and working parents, many of whom are now faced with the challenge of arranging alternate transportation due to their full-time employment commitments.’’
She said also previously, residents and students could directly access the Yanchep shopping centre or Yanchep Secondary College by bus.
“But the new route now requires commuters to first travel to the Yanchep train station before taking a second bus to reach the shopping centre or school.
“This additional leg of the journey through the suburb has created unnecessary delays and inconveniences for the residents and students.
“In addition, there have been reports of older bus stops being discontinued without adequate alternatives in place.
“These changes have made it increasingly challenging for residents to rely on public transportation for their daily commutes.’’
Before the motion was adopted it was altered to include requesting the chief executive officer to include the bus services of Landsdale and Darch particularly the 450 deviation route to Ashdale Secondary College.
