Commuters go bush to catch train
Commuters are being forced to trek through makeshift bush paths to get to and from the Stirling train centre, four years after the State Government and the City of Stirling committed to creating a "safe, convenient walking environment" in the precinct.
One commuter said she risked breaking an ankle to get to the train every day, while another said the level of general traffic in the area meant it was dangerous to walk or cycle to the station.
Many of those affected are shoppers at Ikea, workers at Innaloo retail outlets and staff from the Department of Transport who have recently moved into the nearby six-level Tassels building.
Some are also using free parking near the Ikea building.
The precinct is being developed by the Stirling City Centre Alliance, a joint venture between the State Government and the City of Stirling.
In its 2010 access and parking strategy, the alliance said the health and vibrancy of the precinct depended on "good accessibility by walking, cycling, public transport and car".
It said the high amenity of the area would be enhanced by "a safe, convenient walking environment", with low levels of congestion and "few barriers to movement".
But regular commuter Richard Goodwin, of Wembley Downs, said the plan to build a pedestrian link between the commercial hub and the station had been allowed to gather dust over the past four years.
"What's happened in the meantime is the poor pedestrians have taken it upon themselves to carve access paths between the two," Mr Goodwin said. "Pedestrians and cyclists are surely at the bottom of the pile when Perth thinks transportation."
Another commuter, Phoebe of Scarborough, said it was dangerous using the bush paths but the alternative was longer and more inconvenient. A Department of Transport spokeswoman said work was under way between the City of Stirling and Main Roads to improve pedestrian access at the station.
Stirling mayor Giovanni Italiano said approvals were in place to improve pedestrian access around the Tassels building.
