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The Transport Conundrum
So, the big day out was on a few months ago. It was big! What started out as a one-off show has quickly become one of Australia’s biggest touring events.
The first BDO was at Moore Park Showgrounds, on January 25th, 1992; 9500 music fans attended. The show in Sydney 2010 was put on twice because of public demand. On both days there were 55,000 people in attendance. I was there. It felt like 100,000 people went but that’s what it’s like at these things, people everywhere, expensive everything, blistering heat, free water.
Strangle enough, I did not hear one person say how hard it was to get there, so I whipped out my pen and paper and started asking people how they got to the BDO. After some initial vague answers from some of the 'messy' alcohol affected patrons the majority of answers were “public transport”. I asked people all day, they said they had no trouble getting there.
I was perplexed at how an extra 50,000 or so people travelling on public transport could not cause any problems, and yet on the central coast we have trouble moving anybody anywhere.
I have used and tested the public transport system numerable times myself and have talked to others who rely on it to get around for various reasons. It took me 2 hours to get from my house in Forresters Beach to Wyong, but only around 30 mins by car. Also it takes 2 buses and 40 mins to get from Forresters Beach to Terrigal, but only 10 mins by car. At times I’ve waited up to 40 mins for a bus.
Though I could go on and on about it, and site other examples from people I’ve had conversation with, I simply don't need to tell you if you live here. IF you have used to public transport system on the coast you know it can be good at times but the majority of it is not workable or reliable. We have a population of 300,000 on the coast, and growing, and a public transport system from what feels like the 60's that barley covers any demand.
Clearly, there is a problem that needs to be addressed. Someone, somewhere, has dropped the ball. Or maybe the whole team has dropped the ball. It could be that the team didn't even know there was a ball – that would probably explain the mess we have at the moment.
This is the first of several articles on the pros and cons, the needs and wants, the achievements and failures of the public transport sector on the coast. I will be addressing all levels of government and community groups to find answers to the many questions that will appear from even a little bit of digging.
I do have one favour to ask, “help me”. Tell me of your experiences and your insights, and together we will make them listen to us – whoever they may be.