Local bus routes in Melbourne’s north-western suburbsl benefit from $2.8m State Government improvement package
May 13, 2010
Local bus routes in Melbourne’s north-western suburbs will benefit from a $2.8 million State Government improvement package which will deliver new services, longer operating hours and provide public transport access to some areas for the first time.
Public Transport Minister Martin Pakula says the improvement package follows community consultation and the completion of two local bus service reviews covering the municipalities of Hume, Melton, Brimbank and Moonee Valley.
“These comprehensive reviews include new bus networks for Melbourne and Sunbury and improved services for Caroline Springs, Moonee Ponds and Melbourne Airport,” he says.
“Many of the existing bus services in the outer north-west date back to when the area had a much smaller population.
“In coming months, the Brumby Labor Government will be introducing new and improved bus routes to cater for the transport needs of an area that has changed and grown significantly in the past few years.
“This will deliver bus services to new and developing suburbs, and boost services in established areas.”
Member for Melton Don Nardella says that the announcement is great news for residents of the Melton Township, with two new routes and improvements to existing routes in Melton to begin by mid-year.
“Two new routes will extend bus services into the growing areas of Micasa Rise, Roslyn Park and Brookfield, meaning many residents will have access to public transport for the first time,” he says.
“The new Melton local bus network will streamline local bus routes so that they provide much more direct trips to Melton Station, Woodgrove Shopping Centre and the Town Centre. This is great news for residents of Kurunjang, Melton West, Arnolds Creek and Westlake who will benefit from faster, more direct bus trips to the station and the shops.
“These improvements will mean 474 extra bus trips each week in Melton, and all local bus routes in Melton will operate to 9pm, seven days a week.”
Member for Kororoit Marlene Kairouz adds that Caroline Springs’ residents can look forward to the introduction of a new bus route.
“A new bus route, travelling from Watergardens Railway Station to Rockbank Middle Road, will be introduced by early 2011,” she says.
“This new route will operate till 9pm, seven days a week, and gives some residents of Caroline Springs public transport access for the first time.”
Sunbury residents will also benefit from a new and improved bus network.
“Sunbury has grown and changed significantly in recent years and these improvements to the bus services will ensure the public transport network keeps pace with that growth,” Member for Macedon Joanne Duncan says.
“There will be 340 extra bus trips per week in Sunbury and all of the local bus routes in Sunbury will operate till 9pm, seven days a week.
“A new route will extend bus services to Canterbury Hills, and existing routes will be extended further into Mt Lion, Wilsons Lane and Jacksons Hill, meaning many residents will have bus services for the first time.
“More direct services from Killara Heights to Sunbury Private Hospital and the station will mean faster journeys for commuters connecting with trains to the city.”
Member for Essendon Judy Maddigan says that the bus service operating between Sunbury and Moonee Ponds via Melbourne Airport will also be upgraded.
“This service upgrade will improve public transport options for travellers as well as people employed at the airport who travel from Moonee Ponds, Essendon and Sunbury,” she says.