BUMPER-to-bumper cars, a minimum 20-minute wait and traffic coming from all directions – this is the situation many motorists face every weekday as they leave the Stirling railway station car park.
Commuters are breathing a sigh of relief as a new 450-bay carpark, opposite the Cedric Street station, looks set to open this month after almost a year under construction.
But many believe the new park-and-ride area will do little to solve the evening traffic struggle as roadworks cause headaches for people leaving the busy public transport hub.
Despite the proposed installation of traffic lights at the intersection in coming weeks, Gwelup resident and weekday commuter Natascha Schmid said traffic volumes would still be chaotic.
“I just don’t think the traffic system will work, even when construction is complete,” she said.
“Traffic will be coming from both sides and the number of vehicles will go up now that there is more parking.”
Another daily train user, Nollamara resident Kristie Vandenelzen, has started riding her scooter to the station to avoid traffic drama.
“I have to turn right and it just takes forever,” Ms Vandenelzen said.
“It can take anywhere from 20 minutes to half an hour, depending on what time you are trying to leave.”
Public Transport Authority spokesman David Hynes said that when the new lights became operational, the existing entrance to the old carpark would be removed and traffic flow should improve.
“The new road design sees a new four-way intersection built further east along Cedric Street,” Mr Hynes said.
“East and west-bound slip roads have been incorporated into the design for cars turning into the new and existing carparks.”
He said he was not aware of any complaints about traffic congestion because of works.