Council invites feedback on public transport

Published on 25 June 2024

What would get you moving on public transport? That’s the question Lake Macquarie City Council is asking residents and visitors, as part of its push to improve bus, train and ferry services across the city.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said while public transportation is primarily the domain of the NSW Government, councils had an important role to play in advocating for better services and infrastructure.

“As a large city with a lake at its heart, getting around can be a real challenge in Lake Macquarie, especially on public transport,” Cr Fraser said.

“With our proximity to Sydney and the wider Hunter region, improving public transport would deliver significant economic, environmental and social benefits, and encourage more of us to leave the car at home more often.”

According to Transport for NSW, 4.5 per cent of all trips taken in Lake Macquarie in 2022-2023 were on public transport, while vehicle driver trips accounted for 58.3 per cent of trips in the same period.

Data from the 2021 Census showed less than one per cent of the Lake Macquarie population used public transport to travel to work, compared to the NSW average of four per cent.

A survey is now open for the community to complete until 12 July 2024 at lakemac.com.au.

“We want to hear from everyone – public transport users and non-users alike,” Cr Fraser said.

“This feedback will provide a better understanding pain points in the local network, barriers to increased use, and help Council prioritise its ongoing advocacy efforts.”