Last minute pleas have fallen on deaf ears, but those against the axing of the M52 express Parramatta to City bus service are not giving up their fight just yet.
The changes came into effect from January 24, which saw the M52 replaced by Route 500X – West Ryde to City Hyde Park.
The new service, whilst frequently operating every 10 minutes, does bring about changes to services in Parramatta, Carlingford, Macquarie Park, Ryde and Eastwood.
The biggest issue of concern being added travel times for customers who now must interchange services.
Since the announcement of the changes, there has been significant backlash from both members of the community as well as Local and State politicians.
In July last year the M52 service made headlines for being extremely overcrowded, violating the Coronavirus health advice of the time.
Knowing the popularity of the service, City of Parramatta Councillor Patricia Prociv put forward a motion of urgency at the end of 2020, seeking information from Transport for NSW before the change was implemented; however this was voted down.
Since then, Ryde Mayor Jerome Laxale launched a petition as a last minute resort, but this was ignored by Transport authorities.
Cr Prociv introduced a similar bill at Council’s meeting this week, asking for the CEO to write to the TFNSW Secretary.
“I am not giving up on this, it’s too important for those who need the service,” she said.
Last July Councillor Donna Davis put forward a motion that was endorsed by the Council, which sought a letter to be sent to the Transport Minister and TFNSW Secretary, seeking an agreement for formal, public consultation for any future changes to bus services.
City of Parramatta Council confirmed to Parra News that this was sent on August 18.
A reply to this letter has never been received by the Council, however the Transport Minister’s office categorically denies having ever received it and says the only letter they have received was on January 19, which will be responded to in due course.
A spokesperson for the Transport Minister said they engaged with Council Officers before the changes were implemented.
“Transport for NSW began engaging with local stakeholders on planned changes to Region 7, including route M52, on November 5,” the spokesperson said.
“This included a meeting with City of Parramatta Council on November 12.”
Parra News understands this meeting took place just a few weeks out from when the changes were publicly announced, with the Council unable to have input on the changes.
Cr Davis said she will continue to advocate for the reinstatement of the service.
“I’ll keep campaigning for better public transport, not the reduced services this government is offering,” she said.
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.