PORT Macquarie-Hastings Council has welcomed news that Busways will run a temporary shuttle bus service through the CBD, while the location of a permanent bus stop is being finalised.
The temporary service, which started Tuesday, will link the existing bus stops at Hayward Street and Gordon Street to the previously used stops at Clarence Street and Short Street.
Infrastructure and asset management director Jeffery Sharp said the move would alleviate some confusion for bus users.
“This temporary shuttle bus will help retain access to the CBD for bus users and ensure some level of familiarity in using the existing bus stops,” he said.
“With Busways going ahead and implementing their new route, the issue of bus stops in the CBD clearly has to be resolved quickly.”
An extraordinary council meeting will be held today at 3pm, where the council will be presented with options for temporary CBD bus stops.
“Staff will recommend that a CBD stop on the new route be implemented as a trial measure, while further stakeholder engagement is conducted,” Mr Sharp said.
“Council remains concerned over the lack of consultation undertaken by Busways on the final routes that have been implemented today and is working with Busways to address any inconvenience caused by these changes.
“Staff will recommend that a CBD stop on the new route be implemented as a trial measure, while further stakeholder engagement is conducted.”
Council has fielded a number of inquiries from businesses and bus users and will continue to keep residents informed of the developments from today’s extraordinary meeting.
