Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian and Member for Heathcote Lee Evans today announced customers will benefit from 150 new car parking spaces at Thirroul Station and a new train service with faster connections to the Sydney CBD.

“I know parking around train stations is a big issue for the community. It can be very frustrating driving to the station and having to circle the streets looking for a car park,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“I am pleased to announce the NSW Government will build a brand-new 150 space car park right near Thirroul Station. Planning and design work is now underway and construction will be completed this year.

“The new car park will provide around 150 spaces and make a huge difference to commuters catching trains to and from Thirroul Station. It’s also a big win for those who live, work and shop locally in Thirroul.

“After years of neglect from Labor, the Baird Government is transforming the public transport network. Whether it’s Opal electronic ticketing, station upgrades, faster train services or commuter parking – we are delivering.”

Mr Evans said he had heard the community loud and clear and had been fighting for additional parking for customers at Thirroul Station.

“This is a big win for the community. Locals have told me how difficult it is driving around trying to find a parking spot, and that’s why this government is investing in new parking spaces for customers,” Mr Evans said.

Mr Evans also announced a new South Coast train service will be introduced next month, catering for morning commuters looking for a fast connection to the Sydney CBD.

From Monday 23 February, a new peak all-stations service will leave Coniston at 6.01am arriving at Thirroul at 6.23am so customers can connect with the 6.29am Thirroul to Central service.

“This is fantastic news. The goal is to make it simple for customers to park at their local station and get a connecting express service to Sydney from one of the Illawarra’s hub stations,” he said.

“By speeding up trains in the 2013 timetable, we have been able to deliver significant time savings for commuters. That’s time that can be spent at home with family and friends, not stuck on the train.

“Overall, we have had positive feedback about the timetable and these latest improvements to services and parking show we are not resting on our laurels. We will continue to listen and deliver the wins in public transport this local community deserves.”

Mr Evans said the new Thirroul car park will be delivered as part of the Transport Access Program, a NSW Government initiative which is delivering accessible, modern, secure and integrated transport infrastructure.

“Customers are enjoying the benefits of 230 extra car parking spaces at Oak Flats Station and in just three and a half years we’ve built the fully accessible Shellharbour Junction station, which includes 105 car spaces,” he said.

“The government is also releasing around 1,200 rail staff car parking spaces for customers at close to 100 stations across the state. This includes 40 spaces already open at Wollongong and seven more at Thirroul.”