Maylands residents worried about safety if 406 bus route is extended

SEVENTH Avenue residents are concerned over the safety of pedestrians if the proposed extension of bus route 406 through Maylands goes ahead.

The changes propose extending the bus service from Edith Cowan University, Mt Lawley Campus to Maylands Station, which would create a direct link between Maylands and Glendalough Station.

It would also provide connections to services on Beaufort Street, Alexander Drive and Charles Street, without making changes to the current frequency or operating hours.

Dave Crocker, of Inglewood, said residents were not opposed to increased public transport services but Transperth could use other roads rather than this street.

“Buses along residential streets will also increase noise and air pollution exposure to local residents and generally decrease the overall amenity of the public spaces to the broader community,” he said.

“The City of Bayswater’s planning guidelines promote pedestrian foot traffic and cyclists to utilise local roads within the general proximity of the Maylands train station and business hub.

“Placing buses onto these same streets seems largely counter intuitive in achieving this desired outcome.”

Mr Crocker said the proposed route would travel past the popular Shearn Memorial Park.

“The park remains unsecured along the Coode Street boundary, which is to be utilised by buses, and with increased traffic flows utilising this local access road it presents a safety hazard with a high risk of injury or death should a person be struck by a Transperth bus travelling at 50km per hour,” he said.

“I fear a much loved pet that was unfortunate enough to be struck by a bus would have little probability of survival.”

Public Transport Authority spokesman David Hynes said the PTA would review the feedback received from the community before making any decision.

“As is standard with any trial service, we have been monitoring patronage on the deviation to ensure it is viable in the long term,” he said.

“It is worth noting that patronage is growing, though it is still early days.

“Residents and business owners were able to provide feedback on both the Route 41 diversion and the proposed Route 406 extension at three local community information sessions, as well as online.”