New bus bays almost completed at Maylands Train Station

CONSTRUCTION continues on two new bus bays at Maylands train station, with Transperth bus 41 set to be diverted to the station for a trial from Sunday.

The diversion and new bus stops have come about after a meeting between Maylands Residents and Ratepayers Association and the Public Transport Authority (PTA) last year.

In May, council advised the WA Planning Commission it supported the project, with the condition it provided 11 car bays on the PTA land adjacent to replace the car bays removed.

Association president Elliaz Pik said he welcomed the change for Maylands and it was set to be an important connection between trains and buses.

However, he said he was “worried” by the Whatley Crescent location chosen, some 150m away from the entrance.

Mr Pik said there was another option on either side of the tracks near the bicycle shelter and the chosen location would not protect travellers from rain or sun.

“There was no explanation why that location was chosen… I’m disappointed the PTA did not come back to us to discuss options,” he said.

PTA spokesman David Hynes said from Sunday, Transperth bus Route 41, which runs between Leake Street in Bayswater and the Elizabeth Quay Bus Station, would be diverted to service Maylands Station on a trial basis.

“This diversion was made following a request from the Maylands Residents and Ratepayers Association, who cited community demand for a bus service linking the station to surrounding suburbs,” he said.

“Services have been timed to connect with trains to Perth, but the frequency and operating hours will remain the same.

“To facilitate the diversion, a bus bay has been built outside the station at a location determined by the limited available space, the turning circle of Transperth buses and the need for a seamless connection between the bus and train.”

Mr Hynes said Transperth would monitor patronage on the deviation to ensure it was viable long term.

Mr Pik said during the meeting last year, the PTA flagged the possibility of a new route, to link Maylands to Edith Cowan University in Mt Lawley.

However, Mr Hynes said there were no plans at this stage to run other bus routes.