Peninsula needs shuttle bus, says NRMA

The NRMA has suggested the introduction of a dedicated shuttle bus service for the Peninsula as part of an integrated transport plan for the Central Coast.

NRMA Motoring and Services director Mr Kyle Loades said the plan calls for new and expanded park and ride facilities in the region which would reduce private car travel, congestions and emissions for sites including Woy Woy.

He said dedicated shuttle services would be necessary as the population increases, transporting commuters from one regional centre to another.

"The NRMA would like to see rail and bus services such as a Peninsula Shuttle linking southern locations with Woy Woy," Mr Loades said.

The Get the Central Coast Moving report is a 25-year transport strategy focused on promoting transport choices for Central Coast communities, according to Mr Loades.

"The Central Coast needs more than just road and rail solutions and this fully integrated transport plan will deliver exactly what the Central Coast community needs for getting in and out of and around the region," Mr Loades said.

"Infrastructure including improved interchange facilities, completing missing road links, transit and bus lanes, cycle paths and walkways all play a necessary part in the NRMA's 25-year transport plan for the Central Coast."

"Commuters using different modes of public transport also need an integrated ticketing system.

"Central Coast residents need one ticket for one journey regardless of whether they are using a bus or train.

"A new railway station at Warnervale and constructing the West Gosford Gateway are some of the infrastructure the Central Coast needs.

"By 2035, the region's population is forecast to swell by one-quarter to over 400,000 and 45,000 extra local jobs are planned.

"The Central Coast will need an increased level of infrastructure spending to cope with the expected increases.

"Up to $3 billion would be required over 25 years to fulfil this transport plan.

"The region needs to be bold about finding new ways of funding that could include a Central Coast superannuation fund for infrastructure and retaining local taxes and levies such as the NSW Government's car registration tax."

Press release, 4 Jun 2010 Daniel Stanton, NRMA Motoring and Services