More Accesible Buses In Mount Druitt Required - We Are Behind The Times Compared To Other NSW Bus Regions - Mount Druitt Standard

It was due to a blog that was published last year that the Mount Druitt Standard wanted to raise this issue of accessible buses  in our area, we didn't realise that that from other NSW Bus Regions, we are behind the times.

Lack of wheelchair accessible buses leaves Mt Druitt residents suffering

January 18, 2016 1:20pm

Jillian McKee Mt Druitt-St Marys Standard

40% of buses in the Mt Druitt area are not wheelchair accessible, leaving commuters stranded.

Disabled commuters and parents with prams in Mt Druitt are being left suffering with 40% of buses in the area without wheelchair accessibility.


This was 20% less than other areas in Sydney, which had more than 80% of their bus fleets wheelchair accessible.

Bus regions 6, 7, and 8 which cover areas of the Inner West such as Leichhardt and Drummoyne and areas surrounding North Sydney including Chatswood, Manly and Mosman had more than 86% of their fleet wheelchair accessible.

Mt Druitt Commuters Improvement Group spokesman John Svoboda said lack of accessible transport was becoming an increasing problem.

“I’m hearing and seeing time and time again, that in peak time there are issues with pram and wheelchair commuters having not accessible buses arrive at bus stands.”

“We have great bus services here but we are a growing population with lots of families and elderly need to make sure we have the right services.”








“I think we need more accessible buses especially in peak times, especially when you compare this to other areas we are way behind the times.” Mr Svoboda said.

A spokesperson for Transport for NSW said they were working to improve the Mt Druitt fleet. “In the past 12 months eight brand new, low-floor, wheelchair accessible buses have been added to this fleet.”

“Transport for NSW also funds an ongoing bus replacement program across all contracted operators to replace non-wheelchair accessible buses with new low-floor accessible vehicles when older buses reach their maximum age.”

“Additionally, all new buses purchased by contracted operators are required to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act and include air conditioning and wheelchair access.” The spokesperson said.

Accessible services throughout the state will increase to 90% by 2017 and 100% by 2022, in the meantime Transport NSW encouraged residents to ring the bus depot prior to travel to ensure a wheelchair accessible bus was operating.


Click here for previous blog 

Click here for original blog 19/12/15