Commuter’s in Melbourne’s north will have access to improved bus services with a new depot
Construction of a new state-of-the-art bus depot in Thomastown has begun, with a promise to bring better bus services to Melbourne commuters.
Member for Thomastown Bronwyn Halfpenny joined representatives from Whittlesea Council, Transdev Melbourne and Public Transport Victoria (PTV) on site recently to mark the start of works.
The new depot on High Street in Thomastown will house up to 100 staff and 50 buses which will operate across Melbourne’s north.
“This new state-of-the-art depot will be a base for up to 50 buses, 100 staff and better services for passengers across Melbourne’s north,” says Halfpenny.
“I have received great community feedback for the new services the Labor Government has provided. This builds on the commitments the Labor government promised and the delivery of those commitments”.
The new depot is part of a $40 million investment to support delivery of local bus services.
The State Government is investing $100 million in better bus services for Melbourne, including improvements to route 357 which connects Thomastown residents directly with Pacific Epping, the Northern Hospital and Thomastown railway station.
“The aim of the design for this depot has been on ensuring these new facilities are safe, environmentally focused and efficient, making this depot truly state-of-the-art,” says PTV acting executive director of performance and contract management Warwick Horsley.
“Upgrading our bus operations with this new depot will ensure we have the best available facilities to support the efficient operation of our bus network.”
Melbourne managing director Harry Wijers is delighted the Victorian Government is making such a significant investment in the bus network.
“The new state-of-the-art Thomastown depot will enable us to provide a better, more reliable service for our passengers in the City of Whittlesea and beyond,” he says.
The new depot is expected to be operational in early 2017.