Public, on demand and share transport
Public transport consultation
Lake Macquarie City Council has an important role to play in advocating for improved public transport options for residents and visitors.
We know our community values mobility and accessibility. Improving public transport infrastructure and services is identified as a high priority in our Local Strategic Planning Statement, and this document includes an action that Council will work with government agencies and public transport operators to improve public transport accessibility and uptake in the city to Newcastle and regional destinations (e.g. hospitals, universities, airports), as well as Sydney.
In June-July 2024, we sought community feedback to better understand where we can best focus our advocacy efforts to improve public transportation services and usage across our city. Consultation closed on 12 July 2024. We will share a summary of this engagement with our community soon.
Why is Council undertaking community consultation on public transport when it's not a local government responsibility?
While the delivery of public transport is a NSW Government responsibility, Council can influence policy and operational outcomes through advocacy. The Lake Macquarie Local Strategic Planning Statement identifies improving public transport infrastructure and services as a high priority for the city and includes and ongoing action for Council to work with government agencies and public transport operators to improve public transport accessibility and uptake.
How will the information collected from the consultation be used?
The purpose of undertaking community consultation on public transport needs across the city is to identify priorities for advocacy so Council’s representations to government can be focused and evidence-based.
For longer trips, public transport, including on demand options, and share transport are increasingly available in Lake Macquarie.
Lake Macquarie On Demand
The service area covers Charlestown, Dudley, Whitebridge, Gateshead, Redhead, Warners Bay, Mount Hutton, Windale, Tingira Heights, Eleebana, Croudace Bay, Valentine, Belmont North and Belmont areas.
From key activity centres such as Charlestown, Warners Bay, Mount Hutton and Belmont you can connect with bus routes to continue your journey beyond the On Demand area.
The On Demand service runs in addition to existing regular timetabled services. An On Demand bus will pick you up near your home or a convenient nearby location and take you to where you want to go within the On Demand area.
Trip Planner
Use the Transport for NSW Trip Planner to plan a trip on public transport by metro, train, bus, ferry, light rail, coach or by walking, cycling, taxi or rideshare anywhere in New South wales.
Share transport
Who says you need to own a car? Companies like Uber Carshare (previously Car Next Door) are available in Lake Macquarie, as well as taxi services.