To whom it may concern,
I have been recently made aware of changes to the Metro bus route and am completely gob smacked at the lack of public consultation with residents in the new 540 route scheduled for 10 January implementation date.
I am aware there is a current Door Stopper service running up parts of Newdegate Street that is rarely used by commuters.
I have been a long term resident of Newdegate Street and witnessed first hand the increased volume of traffic and accidents over the last 15 years. These include: speeding vehicles coming up and down Mellifont Street colliding with vehicles coming in and out of Newdegate Street.
Increased volume of vehicles parked in the top end of Newdegate Street due to the GP practice and high numbers of pedestrians crossing the road including parents with babies in prams or young children and elderly patients.
Congestion on both sides of the top of Newdegate Street with vehicles parked on the road, particularly between Mellifont Street and Lochner Street which is the planned route for the new 540 metro West Hobart service.
I understand that Newdegate Street is a heritage listed street and as a result of this there are a number of restrictions put on residents when it comes to any proposed changes to their property specifically the street frontage.
Was this heritage listing even considered by Metro when it decided to unilaterally increase bus traffic up and down Newdegate Street?
What mitigation studies have Metro done in relation to wear and tear on the road and impact on heritage housing some of which may be vulnerable to heavy traffic flow?
What consultation has occurred with residents in Newdegate Street in relation to the 7.00am – midnight bus service running on weekdays and increased service on weekends?
What consultation has occurred with residents to mitigate any concerns they may have and look at alternative routes?
Why was the decision made to increase the volume of bus services down the most heavily used part of Newdegate Street between Mellifont and Lochner Street?
Why wasn’t a consideration given to utilization of the existing bus turning circle in Mellifont Street at Friends Part to direct the bus back down Arthur Street?
What statistical data have Metro used to justify increasing its service up and down Newdegate Street?
Why isn’t consideration given to service the elderly who live in units on the corner of Arthur and Hill street rather than missing this section altogether and travelling up and down Newdegate street from Lochner Street?
I do not accept that Metro will be offering a better service and in fact cannot see any benefit to users of Metro specifically the new route down Newdegate Street.
I do not accept that Metro are acting in the best interests of the community of West Hobart and may be creating a traffic hazard for pedestrians and the sick and elderly attempting to get to the GP practice and creating further potential traffic crashes due to the congestion and increased volume of bus routes in Newdegate Street.
I do not accept that Metro have undertaken any mitigation or public consultation with residents or commuters of these changes.
Kind regards,
Cate Davey,
WEST HOBART
TAS 7000
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