Rob Stokes Member for Pittwater today warned that lower weekly bus fares for Pittwater commuters without any more express buses may worsen overcrowding.

Under the new far structure to operate from 18 April, the cost of a weekly bus pass will fall by $19, while a travel ten will cost $34.40, down from $50.40.

“While I am delighted that Pittwater commuters will pay less ­­– I am really concerned that without more express buses, lower fees will be a recipe for overcrowding”, Rob Stokes said today.

“It is already tough to get a seat on an express bus after Mona Vale.  Putting more commuters on the same buses will simply make finding a seat harder.

“Transport Minister David Campbell has admitted that the new fares will ‘attract patronage’, so he needs to ensure that we have the extra buses to cope with extra demand.

“Without more buses, lower bus fares may lead to more crowded and less comfortable journeys on the hour or more from Pittwater to the CBD”, Rob Stokes concluded.