RESIDENTS who have been "stuck" or "stranded" on the western side of Lake Macquarie may not have missed the bus as councillors look to solve public transport gaps.
This week, Lake Macquarie City Council councillors voted to join community advocacy efforts and write to bus operators to seek feedback on the potential of an on-demand bus service in the city's south-west.
Councillors were approached by members of the community, including Rathmines Sustainable Neighbourhood Group representatives, who want access to public transport improved, particularly around Rathmines, Wangi Wangi and Fishing Point.
Independent councillor Kate Warner, who co-signed the motion with Labor councillor Madeline Bishop, said she heard regularly from residents about the challenges in accessing reliable public transport.
"I think we can agree it's an issue across the whole city as well," she said.
"This is particularly important though, for our older residents, our young people, people with disabilities, and those who do not have access to a private vehicle, which is a growing number of people in our community.
"For many residents living in communities around the western side of the lake, traditional bus routes do not always provide the flexibility or frequency required to meet everyday needs."
Cr Warner said residents in Rathmines who found themselves "stuck" had to rely on shop owners or other people to take them home. She said this was "not really acceptable".
"I believe it's entirely reasonable to explore whether an on-demand transport model could help address these gaps in the existing network, because sometimes trying something is better than doing nothing," she said.
An on-demand bus service already operates on the eastern side of Lake Macquarie.
The Lake Macquarie on-demand service area covers Charlestown, Dudley, Whitebridge, Gateshead, Redhead, Warners Bay, Mount Hutton, Windale, Tingira Heights, Eleebana, Croudace Bay, Valentine and Belmont.
The service is operated by Newcastle Transport and began in 2018.
While the responsibility for delivering and changing bus services rests with bus operators, the council voted to help advocate on behalf of residents.
The council will write to relevant bus operators, including Hunter Valley Buses, to seek feedback on an on-demand service.
Cr Bishop said issues with public transport were not only highlighted by residents, but had been raised in the draft Morisset place strategy, a 20-year vision for the area.
"The community often talks about congestion on our roads and the need for different service connections, including buses," Cr Bishop said.
Councillors have asked for a memo with outcomes of the feedback from bus operators.
