Get on the bus, shire urges

By Tania Martin
The submission also outlined the need for better passenger accessibility, extended times to enable residents to access education and employment opportunities and increased services for tourists.
The council hopes these top five issues will be tackled as part of the review of services across the neighbouring municipalities of Yarra Ranges, Knox and Maroondah.
The continued lack of reliable bus services across the Dandenongs has long been a cross to bear for many residents.
Lyster Ward councillor and Eastern Transport Coalition (ETC) chairwoman Samantha Dunn said the 24-page submission was the result of extensive research and community consultation.
She hoped it would help secure much-needed public transport improvements for the region.
“The provision of safe, efficient and accessible public transport is one of the most significant concerns in our community and remains one of the council’s highest advocacy priorities,” she said.
“We believe what we have put forward is affordable and achievable and, most importantly, will make a positive difference in our residents’ lives.”
Cr Dunn said the council had also compiled a comprehensive public transport research paper.
She said this had included more than 400 telephone interviews with residents examining demographic data, patronage patterns and in-depth analysis of bus routes.
A copy of the shire’s submission and research paper can be viewed online at www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au
The State Government will now assess all the submissions to the review before a final report in released.