Member for Toowoomba North Trevor Watts and Member for Condamine Pat Weir tabled a petition in Queensland Parliament this morning, listing the names of 630 frustrated local residents who are seeking an urgent review of the 950 bus service from Crows Nest to Toowoomba via Highfields.
Mr Watts said the petition was established in response to ongoing concerns about the unreliability and inaccessibility of the 950 bus service.
“This petition sends a clear message to the Minister for Transport and Main Roads that urgent action is needed to address operational deficiencies in the local public transport network,” Mr Watts said.
“I’ve received countless complaints about the service and have witnessed a number of 950 buses, with only one commuter on board.
“I’ve also spoken to concerned residents who would like to see the route reassessed and more consideration given to providing connecting services.
“Currently, some elderly patrons have to walk up to two kilometres to their destination after disembarking the 950 bus at the nearest stop.
“It’s critical for these residents to have adequate access to affordable public transport services.
“At the point vulnerable members of our community are being isolated and their health and safety put at risk due to a deficiency in the public transport network, it’s clear a comprehensive review of bus services is required.”
Member for Condamine Pat Weir said community consultation was key to improving the reliability and accessibility of the 950 bus service.
“The Minister needs to conduct genuine and meaningful consultation with public transport users from Crows Nest to Toowoomba,” Mr Weir said.
“The sole purpose of public transport is to service the public, so the bus timetable should reflect the needs of the public.”
Mr Watts and Mr Weir will continue to fight for a full review of the 950 bus service to ensure public transport services are keeping pace with population growth and the needs of the Highfields and Crows Nest communities.