Pyrmont public transport problematic

Amid concern over a worrying lack of transport options, Pyrmont residents have called for a radical increase in public transport access to their area.

The push is being led by community group Pyrmont Action, who insist significant increases in bus services to Pyrmont are required. The group called for the state government’s light rail plans to extend into Pyrmont in light of Sydney’s soon to be scrapped monorail service, which will cease operating on June 30.

“We need a bus that links Pyrmont with Broadway Shopping Centre, Glebe and the Fish Markets, travelling back to Pyrmont via Pyrmont Bridge Rd,” said Pyrmont Action Convenor Elizabeth Elenius. “We need services that link directly to Balmain and other nearby suburbs.

“There is also strong support for the light rail to link with George St and Barangaroo.”

Ms Elenius said the Pyrmont community’s concerns have arisen following years of neglect from successive state governments. “There is very little to serve a resident population of almost 12,000 … I have no idea why we have been neglected,” she said.

State Minister for Transport, Gladys Berejiklian said the government is conscious of Pyrmont’s transport concerns and is looking at improving its bus service.

“I have spoken to a number of residents about public transport issues in Pyrmont. In October last year I announced a review of Pyrmont bus services,” she said.

Ms Berejiklian announced the review in conjunction with former City of Sydney Councillor Shayne Mallard. The review began early this year.

However, Ms Elenius was cynical about the role of the state government in Pyrmont’s public transport issues.

“We have approached the state government on this matter and all we get is a reference to the past or upcoming review. The previous review rejected all of our requests,” she said.

The state government was adamant the review is a chance for public transport routes to finally be determined by transport customers. “This is giving the customer the opportunity to drive change throughout the public transport network,” said Ms Berejiklian.

According to Ms Elenius, the main problem in the area is a lack of supply of public transport.

The 501 bus currently links Pyrmont to Ultimo. “This service is very irregular and passengers are often left waiting 30 minutes for it,” said Ms Elenius.

The 448 bus is another area of concern for locals as it only runs in one direction. “It is a disgraceful waste of public resources,” said Ms Elenius.

Public transport beyond buses will be virtually non-existent for Pyrmont after the monorail service is removed. There are no current plans for light rail to be extended in Pyrmont.