State Member for Wallsend, Ms Sonia Hornery MP, has welcomed news that a new Park and Ride facility will commence operation from McDonald Jones Stadium on Monday, but more is needed.
Ms Hornery has been calling for an integrated transport plan for a number of years and talking to the State Government and Newcastle Council about opportunities to expand the service to include the John Hunter Hospital and the University Campus at Callaghan.
For many years the John Hunter Hospital used the facility to help reduce traffic congestion and cater for patients who were unable to walk the long distances to appointments at the Campus.
Quotes attributable to Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery
“This is great news for people in the Wallsend electorate who travel into Newcastle to work or study.”
“I congratulate Newcastle Council for this initiative, it is important that we have an integrated transport plan for the Hunter.”
“I am sure that many Wallsend residents will take up the opportunity to utilise this service.”
“This is a great start and I am excited about what other opportunities there could be to use the Park and Ride facility.”
“The obvious opportunities are the John Hunter Hospital and the University at Callaghan. A Park and Ride service to both of these sites would ease traffic congestion and reduce the problem of a lack of parking for local residents.”
“I will continue to work with the State Government and Newcastle Council to see this service expanded.”