An artist's impression of the proposed bus rapid transit station.
Manly Daily | 2 Mar 2011 by Kelly Robinson
The main body representing the four northern Sydney councils has backed the Coalition’s bus rapid transit proposal but believes the system should stay on the road.
Shore Regional Organisation of Councils (SHOROC) says the tunnel option would take too long to build and the traffic congestion needs to be dealt with as soon as possible.
If a feasibility study shows it to be viable the tunnel would probably be built by the private sector.
SHOROC represents Manly, Mosman, Pittwater and Warringah councils.
It is calling for the expressions of interest (EOI) process to also investigate an east-west bus rapid transit system from Dee Why to Chatswood and an underground interchange around Neutral Bay to further improve congestion on the northern beaches.
The Opposition’s blueprint for public transport was revealed in Saturday’s Manly Daily, with the Coalition pledging to urgently call for expressions of interest for the project if elected on March 26.
SHOROC president and Pittwater Mayor Harvey Rose said: “We welcome the plan, however we do want the issue of funding and the timeframe to be clarified. We think a more practical system could be built on road.
“The tunnel … is worth investigating but we need to deal with the major transport problems we have.”
The Opposition’s transport spokeswoman Gladys Berejiklian said: “We will consider all the options … and consult with the community.
“All input from organisations such as SHOROC are welcomed.”
POSSIBLE STAGES
*The EOI process will determine time frames for the BRT system
*Short-term: EOI complete. Physical changes could include moving the dedicated lanes to the centre of the roads involved and installing GPS technology on existing buses to have priority at traffic lights
*Medium term: Could involve constructing the BRT from Dee Why to the city
*Long-term: Could involve extending the BRT to Mona Vale
Read about SHOROC’s regional policies for transport and health in Shaping Our Future
Read the article online in the Manly Daily
