Getting to the train on time...

How well is our public transport network serving Charlestown? Last week buses were replaced by utes on the 312 route. As outlined in the Newcastle Morning Herald on Saturday 30th September, this raises a number of issues including safety and comfort for passengers and the provision of adequate places.

There are many other regular timetable and service concerns in Charlestown.

Thanks to a tip off from an unimpressed resident, I now know it takes an hour to get from Adamstown Heights to Newcastle by bus (route 111 via Maryville – the previous direct 204 and 304 services have been cut).

I decided to investigate the duration of other public transport journeys around the Charlestown electorate. The 131500 Transport Infoline trip planner (available online) proved to be a fantastic tool for this purpose.

I discovered that on a Saturday I can get from Warners Bay to Newcastle in 54 minutes, if I change buses at Charlestown. The direct route (363) takes 1 hour and 10 minutes.

I will report on other journey times as my investigations continue. Your comments, observations and trip reports on public transport around the electorate would be appreciated – please use the feedback link.

Question of the week – how do commuters from Charlestown, Warners Bay or Dudley get to a train station?