Set to link up for bus trial

By Russell Bennett
A NEW bus service could be taking frail, elderly and disadvantages residents Christmas shopping this year.
A feasibility study has begun into methods of connecting residents in remote parts of the Dandenongs to shopping centres and metropolitan transport hubs.
A frequent bus service to and from Belgrave train station is being proposed to aid those who are stranded by current public routes.
Eastern Transport Coalition chairwoman and Lyster Ward councillor Samantha Dunn said the to-the-door bus service would be a great help.
“Anything that’s tailored to local community needs can only be a good thing,” she said.
“The important thing is that it focuses on both local needs and tourism.”
Yarra Ranges Council has received help with the project from Transport Connect – a State Government initiative set up to help people with limited access to transport take part in community life.
Streeton Ward councillor Noel Cliff said the study would target local traders to see if there was a need to provide a bus service to pick up potential customers.
“Hopefully they (local businesses) chip in some money to the project because it would help their bottom lines as well,” he said.
Previous trial projects in Millgrove and Yarra Junction have proved successful in conveniently linking residents to local shopping hubs. People in the Millgrove estate came to rely on their local community bus service, the Millgrove Mover, run by a local church group.
Cr Cliff thinks a similar service would work well in the hills.
“At the moment, the buses are confined to the main routes,” he said.
“But if they could pick up and deliver people at their homes, it would make a huge difference.”
Cr Cliff said the study would be completed within weeks. Work on a new service would then start.
“It would be nice if it was up and running by Christmas,” he said.
“This has always been spoken about but this time we’re actually going to do something.”