Source: Mike Baird
The RTA’s proposal to scrap the transit lane on the Burnt Bridge Creek Deviation has been shelved after Northern Beaches car-poolers argued it would worsen traffic congestion, Manly MP Mike Baird and Pittwater MP Rob Stokes said today.
“The prospect of punishing car-poolers to address congestion was nonsense at every level,” Mr Baird said.
“Scrapping the T3 southbound on the Burnt Bridge Creek would have removed the incentive to car-pool and punish those who were trying to do something to reduce the gridlock.
“It is a relief that the uproar from the community has been heard and I thank the Minister for Roads for pulling the RTA into line.
“The important point, which I discussed with the Minister, is the need to stop tinkering around the edges and implement a long-term public transport solution for the Spit corridor.
“We have been advocating for some time a Bus Rapid Transit for the Northern Beaches and we will seek expressions of interest as a priority if elected next March.”
Mr Baird said a huge number of residents expressed their objection to the RTA’s proposal, some who feared they would have to change their children’s school if they no longer had access to the transit lane.
“The Minister acknowledged the community response was persuasive and I thank those that took the time to make submissions, as there’s no doubt it worked.
“While I still question whether the northbound bus lane needs to be 24 hours, I’m delighted the southbound proposal has been scrapped,” Mr Baird said.
Pittwater MP Rob Stokes said he hoped the Government’s back flip on the transit lane would spur more people into car-pooling.
“This decision sends the message that people using cars during peak hour need to do so efficiently by car-pooling.
“The Labor Government needs to take this as a positive lesson in community consultation,” Mr Stokes said.
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