Blue Mountains News

The Draft Visitor Bus Management Plan, now on public exhibition, outlines a staged approach to delivering a citywide Bus Management System that uses technology, planning and community input to address increasing visitor demand while protecting local amenity.

Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill said, “The plan reflects Council’s commitment to managing tourism growth in a way that supports residents and the environment.

“This plan ensures we’re better equipped to handle visitor numbers now and into the future, without compromising the lifestyle of residents or the unique environmental values of the Blue Mountains.

“It delivers smarter transport options, protects residential streets from congestion, and offers new opportunities for local businesses and cultural groups to engage with visitors.”

The Bus Management System is proposed to be introduced in three phases, starting with a pilot at Echo Point, where key features will be trialled, including:

• A digital booking and payment system
• real-time parking availability using sensors
• a visitor Welcome Service
• a compliance system using number plate recognition technology
• demand-based pricing to encourage visitor dispersal.

Following the pilot, the system will expand into a citywide network that matches buses to suitable parking locations, reduces circulation and queuing and directs vehicles away from overcrowded or environmentally sensitive sites.

Community feedback is vital to shaping this initiative. Residents, tourism operators and local businesses are encouraged to review the Draft Visitor Bus Management Plan, now on public exhibition, and provide their feedback.

Council will be holding an information stall in Leura town centre on Saturday 30 August to discuss the draft plan with the community.

The plan, supporting documents and online submission form can be accessed until 9am Monday 15 September at here.