SOUTH WEST COACH LINES — COLLIE–BUNBURY
SERVICE
216. Hon Dr STEVE THOMAS to the Leader of the House
representing the Minister for Transport:
I
refer to the cessation of the South West Coach Lines bus service between Collie
and Bunbury on 1 February 2022.
(1) Will the minister undertake to provide a public
bus service to the residents of Collie that will allow them to attend, amongst other areas, TAFE, university,
employment and medical commitments in the City of Bunbury?
(2) Will the minister
commit to the provision of a subsidised public service operating daily, from
Monday to Friday, between Collie and Bunbury?
(3) If no to (2), why not?
(4) What
discussions have occurred in the transport portfolio, including between the
minister, ministerial office and department, about the restoration of a Collie
to Bunbury bus route, and will the minister table all such deliberations,
including any proposals?
(5) If no to (4), why not?
Hon SUE
ELLERY replied:
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question.
(1)–(5) The
state government understands the importance of reliable public transport to
Collie and the south west community, and it is disappointing that South West
Coach Lines made the decision to end its service. The minister and Transwa will
work with the member for Collie–Preston and the community to discuss
their public transport needs and whether any
potential improvements can be made to provide better links between
Collie and Bunbury.