Woodhams concerned over loss of Greyhound Shuttle Service

Author: Grant Woodhams
Published on: 01-June-2010

Member for Moore, Hon Grant Woodhams MLA has expressed his concern over the cancellation of the Greyhound shuttle service from the Great Northern Highway Binnu to Kalbarri.

The service was provided three times a week through a contracted service and provided a shuttle service for passengers travelling in and out of Kalbarri from the Perth to Broome route.

“The Kalbarri community is deeply disappointed in the cancellation of this service,” Mr Woodhams said.

“Local tourism operators are really concerned as the shuttle bus provided an essential service for tourists who wished to travel into Kalbarri, particularly those travelling from the north of the state.”

“Local tourism operators are fearful that without the service, tourists will find it too difficult to travel into Kalbarri,” Mr Woodhams said.
Under the previous system, tourists only needed to book one ticket through Greyhound Australia to travel into Kalbarri.

“The opportunity for Greyhound passengers travelling north on the Perth to Broome route to link up with the TransWA service in Binnu for travel into Kalbarri is very unsatisfactory with passengers either having to wait nearly seven hours in Binnu for the TransWA service or continue travelling through to Geraldton to sit out the seven hours there before having to travel back up the highway. It is not a very attractive option for tourists and Kalbarri tourism operators are rightfully concerned that most tourists will not bother coming into Kalbarri,” Mr Woodhams said.

TransWA currently offers a Perth to Kalbarri via Eneabba service three times a week and a Perth to Kalbarri via Moora service once a week. TransWA do not offer any services north of Kalbarri. Greyhound Australia is also currently reviewing their Perth to Broome service.

“I am pleased that the Minister for Transport, Hon Simon O’Brien MLC is working closely with the Public Transport Authority and Greyhound Australia to find a long term solution to this issue, but I will be seeking support for the community in the interim, as every day that the service is not operating the financial impact on the town grows. I will be advocating on behalf of regional coastal communities in my electorate who are feeling increasingly isolated,” Mr Woodhams said.

For more information please contact Hon Grant Woodhams MLA 08 9921 4818 or grant.woodhams@mp.wa.gov.au.