Suburbs left in lurch without a bus in sight
PAULA Hartnett has been waiting eight years for a bus to pull up at her Kalynda Chase stop.
The fed- up mum said people in the outer suburbs have been forgotten as public transport services improve in the city.
Bus stops were built at Kalynda Chase when the development came to life about a decade ago. Now with thousands of people living there the estate is still without a public bus service.
“North Queensland in general is forgotten about by the State Government but then if you live outside the city here it’s even worse,” Ms Hartnett said.
“If you live beyond Kirwan, you can pretty much forget it.
“The bus service is a big thing among residents.
“Here, there’s a lot of stayat- home mums and families with only one car so people want a bus.”
Townsville City Council and the State Government are expected to complete a $ 4 million CBD bus hub by late 2018 or early 2019. A Department of Transport and Main Roads spokesman said the new sta- tion would make it easier to catch public transport and improve local traffic.
Ms Hartnett said that was all well and good for people in the city but in the meantime, outer suburb residents were left to drive or get a taxi to their destinations.
Meanwhile, Upper Ross resident Deanne Bell said she moved near the Ross Dam six years ago with a bus stop right at the front of her house but the service was cut off at Dunlop St, Kelso.
“People now have to walk to Dunlop St … one lady I know is a regular walker with three young children,” Ms Bell said.
“I don’t catch the bus unless I have to because I have to walk a kilometre before I start.”
Ms Bell said there also had to be improvements to the service into the city, claiming trips can take upwards of two hours.
The Main Roads spokesman said the department assessed services based on demand, funding and priorities.
“We monitor population growth and development in the Townsville region, including in Kalynda Chase and Bohle Plains, to identify transport options that support community needs and travel patterns,” he said.
Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper said he had previously received complaints from residents further out in areas such as Rangewood and Gumlow.
He said anyone in his electorate with issues with the service should contact his office.
Mr Harper said he would be seeking more information from service providers in coming weeks.