A meeting on Thursday could decide the future of the Gong Shuttle – and may lead to cuts to the service.
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Transport for NSW is meeting with representatives from Wollongong City Council and the University of Wollongong over the joint offer of $700,000 a year.
That money would plug the shortfall caused by the Transport for NSW decision to cut its funding for the shuttle by 25 per cent.
With the university and council opposing the government request for more money, it is understood reductions to the timetable will be put on the table by Transport for NSW.
Labor MPs Paul Scully and Ryan Park have also suggested cuts as a way to keep the service free.
The options put forward by the MPs include a reduction in the shuttle’s weekday frequency from every 10 minutes to 11 minutes.
The other option is seeing weekend buses run every half-hour rather than every 20 minutes.
Mr Scully said either of these options would save money as the contract for the shuttle includes a payment based on total kilometres travelled – fewer loops means fewer kilometres.
A University of Wollongong spokeswoman was not ready to commit to any changes.
“The University of Wollongong has committed its funding on the basis that shuttle services remain unchanged,” she said.
“Any changes will need to consider impacts on not only the staff and students of UOW but also the wider community.”
It was Mr Scully’s preference to reduce frequency of weekend services.
“It’s the least worst option but it fulfills our primary objective which was to keep a free service,” Mr Scully said.
“The bottom line is we wouldn’t be in this position if the government had not wanted to introduce Opal fares in the first place.”
The Wollongong MP also called for a review of any changes to be put into place.
“What I think should happen regardless is there should be a six-month review of whatever option might be landed upon if there is a change to the way it operates,” Mr Scully said.
“If it’s not working the way it should be there should be an element of flexibility in being able to change that.”
The introduction of Opal fares was deferred to July 1 to allow time for negotiations between Transport for NSW, council and the university to take place.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra Gareth Ward said he expected the groups to come to an agreement before then.
If no solution is in place by June 30 then Opal fares will be introduced.