The peak body representing councils in Greater Western Sydney , the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils ( WSROC ) is calling out a galling inequity in the public transport system — a glaring shortage of bus shelters in Sydney ’ s west .

Buses are a vital element of metropolitan Sydney ’ s public transport . However , Sydney ’ s network of more than 20,000 bus stops leaves a lot to be desired .

While buses account for 37 % of public transport trips across New South Wales , bus shelters — basic infrastructure that protects commuters from the elements — are woefully inadequate , particularly

in Western Sydney , where summer temperatures can soar over 9 ° C higher than in the east .

“ WSROC is urging the New South Wales Government to heed the recommendations of its own recent Parliamentary upper house inquiry into the Future Public Transport Needs of Western Sydney , including the urgent need to fund thousands of new bus shelters across the city with a particular focus on Western Sydney ,” said WSROC President , Councillor Barry Calvert .

“ This is especially concerning for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly , who face serious health risks from extreme heat .”

“ Yet , even though bus services are largely operated by private companies or by the NSW Government , it ’ s left to local councils — already stretched thin — to foot the bill for bus shelters .

“ This is a blatant example of costshifting , with local ratepayers essentially

being forced to subsidise large , profit-making private transport businesses or the operations of NSW government buses .

“ Why should the residents of Western Sydney , who are already grappling with extreme heat and substandard infrastructure , bear the cost of providing basic public transport amenities ?

A recent study conducted by national advocacy group ‘ Sweltering Cities ’, the Busted Bus Stops report revealed glaring problems with Western Sydney ’ s bus network , including :

• more than 60 % of 105 bus stops mapped in the new growth area around Schofields in the north-west had no shelter , shade or seating

• almost 70 % of 596 bus stops mapped in and around Penrith , where temperatures have reached over 50 ° C in summer , had no shelter , shade or seating

• in comparison , in the inner-west suburbs of Strathfield , Ashfield and Summer Hill , over 65 % of 101 bus stops mapped had seating and shade or shelter .

“ It ’ s time for the NSW Government to step up and fund the thousands of new bus shelters Western Sydney urgently needs ,” said Councillor Calvert .

“ Overturned milk crates with no shading will not do as ‘ public transport infrastructure ’ in Western Sydney ,” he said .