‘Disgraceful’ – local MP slams rejection of call for more uni buses

A local MP has slammed the Baird Government’s decision to reject his calls for more bus services between Campbelltown and Wollongong.

Greg Warren, the State Member for Campbelltown, has described the decision as “disgraceful’’.

“The complete lack of regard shown by the Baird Government for the needs and requirements of University of Wollongong students living in Campbelltown is beyond disappointing – it’s outright disgraceful,’’ he said today.

“How many students have to complain about overcrowding and infrequent services before the Baird Government starts listening to their concerns?’’

Mr Warren said that the New Year won’t bring much joy for the hundreds of local students who attend the University of Wollongong (UOW) now that the Baird Government has ruled out any additional 887 bus services between Campbelltown and Wollongong.

The Campbelltown MP wrote to Transport Minister Andrew Constance in late 2016 after being inundated with complaints from local UOW students about overcrowding and the frequency of the service, which at times leaves students stranded for several hours.

In a response to Mr Warren’s letter, the Parliamentary Secretary for Transport and Roads John Sidoti (writing on behalf of the Transport Minister) stats bluntly that the Baird Government has “no plans to introduce additional [bus] services between Campbelltown and Wollongong’’.

Mr Warren says the Parliamentary Secretary acknowledges that “route 887 services are designed to provide access between Macarthur and Wollongong for students and staff attending the University of Wollongong…”

Yet he completely fails to address the concerns of the countless students who are forced to put up with an inadequate service, or avoid the service altogether, says the local MP.

Mr Warren is calling on the Government to reverse its decision, and complete a review of the timetable prior to the beginning of the academic semester in March.

“There’s still almost two months until classes go back, so I’m calling on the Government and the Minister to listen to the concerns of local students and review the 887 timetable to ensure it meets their needs and requirements,” Mr Warren said.