FOR too long Shoalhaven residents have been crying out for more public transport and moves are underway to get people access to a better service.
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A Better Public Transport for the Shoalhaven Petition was launched recently and its gathering momentum.
The Shoalhaven Transition and Shoalhaven Transport Forum led petition is pushing what they claim to be an affordable and much-needed service.
The group is seeking a two year trial of a Princes Highway bus service linking Bomaderry rail and Burrill Lakes to operate five weekdays and four weekends/public holiday - each way.
The proposal also includes supplementary services linking the Bay and Basin and Sussex Inlet communities.
The proposal is based on new bus interchange at Wandandian, which would result in residents being able to travel between all points of the Shoalhaven.
Pat Thompson is a member of both groups and as Sussex Inlet resident he knows only too well the difficulties of getting public transport in the Shoalhaven.
"You can't get a bus out of Sussex Inlet at all on a Sunday," he said.
Early in the year had what he describes as a positive meeting with Mayor of Shoalhaven City Councillor Amanda Findley and the bus service representatives.
Mr Thompson said the feedback was positive and it was indicated that such a proposal could be practical and worthy of a trial.
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The group has looked into the matter and backed its proposal with ways the community will benefit.
"With an estimated 30 per cent of residents not holding a driver's licence, many of our ageing residents and our youth are restricted in their movements," the group states in its proposal. "Public transport has broad economic, health and environmental benefits for the community.
"It would create employment opportunities and enhance tourism plus the obvious benefit of having fewer cars on the road.
"Affordable public transport including reducing pensioner excursion fares is a benefit enjoyed by most NSW citizens, particularly city-dwellers.
"For those in Shoalhaven opportunities to enjoy such benefits are extremely limited. Indeed it is close to impossible for many to travel on weekends."
The proposal is estimated to cost $3 million for a two-year trial and the costings include the purchase of four new wheelchair accessible midi-buses.
"It should also be noted that public transport in NSW is heavily subsidised to the tune of about $4 billion dollars," the group states in its proposal.
"It's high time that the Shoalhaven received its share of public transport dollar."
Sign the petition here
Hard copies of this petition can still be signed at Ulladulla and Milton Library, The Maverick Coffee Shop, Milton Vets and Milton Whole Food shop, Sanctuary Point IGA, Sanctuary Point Post Office, and Basin View General Store.
