The G21 Region Alliance has released a new strategy for the Geelong region that calls for improved bus services following a damning low satisfaction rate for passengers
Geelong group G21 Geelong Region Alliance (G21) has released a new report saying the Geelong-G21 region requires significant investment in public and active transport connections to avoid massive road congestion in the coming years.
A key finding of the G21 Region Transport Strategy developed over 18 months by communities suggests work needs to be done now to take vehicles off roads, with efficient public transport at the centre of this.
“We need to start this investment now, with state, local and federal governments working together to avoid the risk of locking in permanent and unmanageable road congestion,” G21 CEO Guilia Baggio says.
Key projections from the strategy suggests that only 11 per cent of the area is satisfied with the bus network, making buses the lowest in the area behind trains (23 per cent), cycling (17 per cent), walking (58 per cent) and car travel (60 per cent).
The report calls for extended public transport networks through zero-emissions bus networks and a rapid transit connection between Torquay and Geelong.
This includes a direct bus service from Queenscliff to Geelong to provide a public transport option for ferry travellers and increased regional bus frequency to Geelong from the Bellarine, Bannockburn, Inverleigh and Winchelsea.
Colac Otway shire mayor Chris Poter says a focus on improved and more regular public transport bus services would have significant benefits for the region.
“Partners in G21 have a common interest in co-ordinated regional planning and this Integrated Transport Strategy is another example of this region creating its own future,” he says.