State Member for Wallsend, Ms Sonia Hornery MP, has called on the Government to explain why an Opal Card machine was not part of the recent upgrade to the Waratah Train Station.
The Station recently received new seating, bike racks, bins and lighting, but passengers are still unable to buy or top up an Opal Card.
Ms Hornery will be calling on the Minister for Transport to look at why an Opal Card machine was not installed as part of the upgrade, given that there are no Opal Card retail outlets in Waratah.
Quotes attributable to Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery
“Once again we see the Government ignoring people in the Wallsend electorate.”
“There is currently no place in Waratah where you can buy or top up your Opal Card. Passengers are required to travel to Georgetown or Mayfield to do this.”
“If we are looking to encourage more people on to public transport then we should be making it as easy as possible for people to buy or top up their cards.”
“With the new Newcastle University opening in the CBD, now more than ever we need people using public transport, but the Government are making it harder than ever to access services.”
“I will be asking the Government to explain why they haven’t installed a machine given the lack of retail outlets in the area.”