That is in line with a council resolution encouraging Busways to modify its new bus routes through the Port Macquarie CBD to enable buses to stop at all the approved bus stops in existence.

Changes in bus routes without new bus stops have created passenger confusion.

Mayor Peter Besseling stressed the council supported the previous bus stops in Clarence and Short streets but the council had to provide bus stops on existing routes.

The council is working towards new bus zones in William Street and Short Street.

“My call to them [Busways] in the best interests of the bus users trying to access the Port Macquarie CBD is there is a permanent option available and that is to go back to the bus stops we previously had,” Cr Besseling said.

It would take a change in bus routes.

Cr Besseling said that would be a permanent resolution rather than a temporary fix.

“There is no easy option on William Street,” he said.

“There is no option on William Street that provides good access for elderly residents or people with disabilities.”

Cr Besseling said the sensible option would be to return the Clarence Street stop near the Glasshouse and the Short Street stop opposite Centrelink.

He said the only consideration was the movement of traffic in both directions and council would be happy to work with Busways to resolve that issue.

Meanwhile Busways has said improvements are needed before it will recognise trial William Street bus stops as functional. 

Busways group service development manager Andrew Glass said Busways was continuing its discussions with the council but Busways was unable to support the council adopted William Street trial locations as they provided a very poor outcome for customers. 

“Busways calls on the community to tell council what they think of the trial location that they have chosen so this issue can finally be resolved,” Mr Glass said.