A Victorian community campaign is calling on the state government to boost local bus services to help residents cope with fuel supply issues and rising prices.
The Dandenong based Fix Dandy Buses has added its voice to the likes of the Victorian Farmers Federation and Better Buses in encouraging public transport usage to conserve fuel for critical purposes.
“The main barrier to shifting people from driving to public transport in Greater Dandenong is existing bus service levels,” Fix Dandy Buses convenor Peter Parker says.
“People can’t use services that don’t exist, as is the case on many local bus routes on Sundays and after 7pm.
“60 to 120 minute gaps between trips was also a major turn-off.”
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He pointed to the high occupancy of Greater Dandenong bus routes such as 800, 828, 901 and 902 as examples of buses saving fuel compared to if riders drove instead. He says the patronage growth recorded on the Route 800 since its 2024 upgrade demonstrates the community’s support for improved bus services – even before the current fuel crisis.
In response to the fuel shortage, Fix Dandy Buses proposes a three-point plan to make buses a better choice for transport across Dandenong. The Fuel Crisis Bus Action Plan for Greater Dandenong includes seven-day service on all Greater Dandenong bus routes and a doubling of weekend frequencies on the busiest routes.
Parker says service upgrades were more likely to shift people from driving than removing fares, particularly in areas with limited bus services like Greater Dandenong. However, he saw merit in halving fares for many return trips by extending current two-hour fare periods to four hours to address genuine concerns about short trip costs.
“With targeted investment in seven-day service, longer hours and higher frequencies the state government can ensure that buses play their full role in saving Victorians fuel and money,” Parker says.
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