'We're the forgotten people of the south': bus changes opposition heats up

Canberra's bus services were overhauled in April to align with the opening of light rail.

The government says the new hub and spoke model streamlines Canberra's bus network, funneling commuters into major interchanges and rapid routes.

But some services and stops have been axed as a result, forcing passengers to walk further to catch a bus.

Wanniassa residents angry about the cancellation of their local services said they had received none of the benefits of light rail.

Resident Geoffrey Lamb said the changes meant the elderly and disabled had been left with no choice but to drive to the park and drive - if they are lucky enough to be able to - after the bus stops near their homes were decommissioned.

"Over the years Wanniassa has been given a great service with our bus routes and a reliable service," he said.

"They've taken our bus routes without any consultation and without any thought to the people who are living in this area."

He said Tuggeranong residents had been disregarded and forgotten.

"This is the death knell that's been sounded throughout Tuggeranong," Mr Lamb said.

"People are forced back into their cars. We are also finding the park and ride is now full because everyone is in the same boat.

"As we get older, we get medical issues, we need support and that support was our local bus service and it's now dissapeared.

"I think the minister needs to get out to Tuggeranong and to discuss things, not just look as his figures and disregard Tuggeranong.

"It's just another forgotten suburb in the southern section of the ACT. It seems we've got a tale of two cities at moment."

Bill Bowron recently moved to the area after downsizing from Farrer.

He chose the house because at the time it had good transport options which he believed would remain accessible as he got older.

"I was annoyed to see a recent notice go up to say the stop had been discontinued as a result of the new integrated bus and tram network," Mr Bowron said.

"Well Woden's not likely to get a tram for five years .. and I'm not aware that Tuggeranong is scheduled to get a tram within the next 10 to 15 years."

Resident Rebecca Lamb said the government was leaving the disadvantaged behind through the changes.

The residents were all previously serviced by the route 61 bus, and say the situation would be replicated in many other suburbs with different cancelled routes.

Liberal members for Brindabella Nicole Lawder, Mark Parton and Andrew Wall have called for buses to be reinstated.

"People here in Tuggeranong are just so angry because they're getting this vibe from the government there are half million dollar parties on in the middle of town celebrating public transport and there is nothing to celebrate here," Mr Parton said.

Ms Lawder said: "For older residents they may have hip and knee problems and having to walk 1.2 km just isn't feasible for them, they need their bus stop close to their house."

Transport Minister Chris Steel, who recently admitted transport numbers for Tuggeranong were down since the bus network overhaul, was not available for comment.

An ACT government spokesman said the government conducted extensive community consultation during which time Canberrans said they wanted more direct routes and more frequent services.

"The ACT government provides a number of options for people with mobility impairments including a flexible bus service, community transport providers and a taxi voucher scheme," he said.

"The government also provides a special needs transport service for students with disabilities to access school," he said.

"The minister has already made it clear that the government is continuously monitoring public transport usage and will make changes to the new bus network where necessary.

"Initial passenger data shows that there are more Canberrans using the bus network across the city."