BUS ROUTE 299 — REMOVAL
1080. Hon
DONNA FARAGHER to the Leader of the House representing the Minister for
Transport:
I refer to the removal of the 299
bus route previously used by students attending Kalamunda Senior High School,
Darling Range Sports College, St Brigid's College and Mazenod College.
(1) Can the
minister detail the consultation undertaken with affected families and schools
prior to the removal of the service?
(2) Given the
concerns raised by families with regard to its removal, will the minister
consider reinstating the service?
Hon SUE
ELLERY replied:
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question.
(1) Extensive
community consultation was undertaken on the airport line bus network in
October and November 2021. This was
advertised through bus and train posters; posters at local IGA stores; emails
to Transperth and Forrestfield–Airport Link subscribers; social media;
and digital signage at bus and train stations. Information was also
published on the Transperth, Forrestfield–Airport Link and Metronet websites. In addition, various organisations,
including the City of Swan, local schools, retailers, aged-care
facilities and other large employers in the area, were invited to participate.
(2) All journeys
to and from school remain possible. Although a small minority have experienced
an increase in their journey time and now need to transfer services, overall,
the vast majority of passengers have benefited
from the changes. The airport line supporting bus network will continue to be
monitored to ensure that the new services are meeting broader community
need and that published connections are maintained.