As a resident of Pearl Beach since 2000 I have had occasion to use the bus to Woy Woy or Gosford and back to Pearl Beach, via Patonga (Number 54).
Although it is a good and necessary service the large buses used are nearly always almost empty.
What is astonishing is that they are far too large for the difficult route to Patonga and back.
It is amazing that no accidents have happened; full marks for the drivers.
I understand that the route to Woy Woy Bay is equally, if not more, difficult.
Why is the company using these huge buses while 24 seaters or even smaller buses would be much more suitable?
I have heard it said that the company can get these buses cheaply as second-hand items from Sydney city companies.
The economic and safety arguments in favour of smaller buses could well make more sense.
Large buses certainly make sense as school buses on safe routes; infrequently otherwise.
Email, Nov 30
Klaas Woldring, Pearl Beach