Rob Stokes, Member for Pittwater, today welcomed news that Forest Coaches will commence direct a public bus service linking Pittwater to Macquarie University.

The new 197 Route will start at Park Street, Mona Vale, and continue direct to Macquarie University along Mona Vale and Ryde Roads, via Terrey Hills and St Ives.

It is anticipated that there will be one bus every 30 minutes during the morning and evening peaks.

“Forest Coach Lines have worked very hard to make the 197 service a reality”, Rob Stokes said today.

“The new service is fantastic news for Pittwater residents and businesses.  Major benefits include:

·         Local students will have direct public transport access to Macquarie University Pittwater’s closest university

·         Employees and job seekers will have direct public transport to the burgeoning employment hub of Macquarie Park

·         Local businesses will be connected by direct public transport to employees and customers from the north shore and western Sydney.

“I remember the almost impossible task of getting from Mona Vale to Macquarie University as an undergraduate student in the early 1990s.

“The reason that many local students buy cars is simply to get to uni and back.

“The Mona Vale – Macquarie bus service is a major step forward in providing Pittwater residents with the public transport we deserve.

“I commend Forest Coach Lines and the Department of Transport for providing this visionary public transport link.

“I would also thank Optus and Blackmores for providing support in the campaign for a Mona Vale – Macquarie bus link, as well as local resident and Macquarie University Council Member Greg Jones for his strong advocacy for this terrific new bus route.

“The Mona Vale Macquarie Uni bus link is a real victory for public transport, and for the people of Pittwater”, Rob Stokes concluded.