Albion Park and Dapto ‘Park and Ride’ shortage

A recent NRMA audit of ‘Park and Ride’ facilities in metropolitan NSW found a critical shortage of Park and Ride facilities at Dapto and Albion Park between 6:30am and 9:00am.

Currently Dapto has 90 spaces for 620 commuters and Albion Park has 42 spaces for 190 commuters.

Wollongong has 190 spaces for 1220 commuters.

“Fewer Illawarra motorists would have to endure the daily traffic grind if they had access to ‘Park and Ride’ facilities,” NRMA deputy-president Michael Tynan said.

“The survey revealed almost half (43 percent) of those surveyed said they would use ‘Park and Ride’ facilities rather than drive to work if more facilities were available in secure areas.

The report found a lack of safe parking facilities as the main reason why more people do not drive to the station and catch the train to work.

“More could be done to alleviate congestion on Illawarra roads if there were more ‘Park and Ride’ facilities available in the region,” Mr Tynan said.

“Completing the F6 link is essential, however, making more ‘Park and Ride’ facilities available will go some way to solving the region’s traffic problems.

“We need more parking spaces built at local train stations with adequate lighting and security.

“That is a great way to entice motorists off the roads.”

The NRMA audit also identified a need for more ‘Kiss and Ride’ facilities at train stations – stopping bays near train stations that allow people to get dropped off by loved ones without getting booked.