After a 33 year gap in the area, the upgraded Route 800 bus between Dandenong and Chadstone has proven to be an instant hit with passengers, with strong usage from the new timetable’s first day.
Launching on November 24, the new service restored 7 day service, featuring more Saturday trips and a later finish at night.
While some less than ideal weather dampened usage in the morning, afternoon trips had up to 22 boardings per 50 minute run.
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Local advocacy group Fix Dandy Buses noted particularly high usage of stops between Clayton Rd and Westall Rd, near Monash University and the M-City complex.
The route was also popular for access to Chadstone with Dandenong Market also attracting some. Many trips appeared to be short errands that would have been difficult if not impossible without the improved timetable.
Group convenor Peter Parker was pleased with the usage and projected it would grow as more people found out about the upgraded service.
He thanked the bus operator Ventura Bus Lines for making a promotional video. There was also significant promotion of the service in the community, including direct mail, bus stop conversations, employer emails and social media.
“We are excited to be operating the expanded route 800 service connecting Dandenong and Chadstone,” Ventura Bus Lines wrote on its Linkedin.
“The expanded timetable will see buses running later every day of the week giving more travel options and better access to late night shopping, or transport home for workers and students.
“Thank you to all local community members for advocating this better bus service in our local community.”
Parker encouraged people to use the bus for Christmas shopping to avoid parking hassles, mentioning how senior myki holders could take advantage of the free weekend travel offered, with the upgraded timetable making taking the bus more practical.
Fix Dandy Buses hopes that continued weekend patronage success of the Route 800 will lead to 7 day upgrades for more Greater Dandenong buses including 802, 804 and 814 being funded in the 2025 Victorian State budget.
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