Have your say on the Wollongong bus layover relocation

Transport for NSW Regional Director South, Sam Knight, said Transport has identified three preferred sites it proposes could service the existing and future bus services for the Illawarra.

“The three sites are proposed to co-exist in a multi-layover configuration in response to increased service planning, operational needs, and to cater for future transport demands in the regions,” Ms Knight said.

“Transport reviewed more than 20 locations in collaboration with Wollongong City Council, Illawarra bus operators and the Transport Workers Union in order to deliver on all necessary requirements.

“These requirements include customer outcomes, layover capacity, vehicle access, route coverage, adjacent land use, driver safety and access to facilities.

“As a result, three complementary sites have been identified, including Atchison Street carpark in Wollongong, Wollongong Train Station carpark and Oak Flats Train Station carpark.

“Before we proceed with the next stages of the project, we want to hear what the community thinks of the three proposed sites.

“In the meantime, we will continue to work closely with key stakeholders including the Council, bus operators and the Transport Workers Union to refine details and to ensure we achieve the best outcome for this relocation.”

Ms Knight said the project to identify the new bus layover sites is being carried out in response to a request from Wollongong City Council for a permanent relocation of the existing Wollongong bus layover currently located on Marine Drive, Wollongong, near the WIN Entertainment Centre. Relocating the bus layover would support Wollongong City Council’s future vision for Lang Park.

“Bus layovers are an important part of bus operations to ensure our drivers are safe, have ease of access to necessary facilities between their services, and are also close to the start and end of bus routes.

“Transport for NSW hopes to use multiple sites to enable bus services to continue to grow and support the connection of people in the Illawarra.”

Consultation is open until Sunday 26 November 2023.

Feedback can be provided online at www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/wollongong-bus-layover.