06th March 2024 12:59pm
Victorian Legislative Council, Melbourne
Rachel PAYNE (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:58):
My constituency question is for the Minister for Public and Active Transport. My constituent is a resident of Beaconsfield. Like many in our community, my constituent travels to and from work on public transport, relying on the 838 bus service on their way home.
Unfortunately this bus route operates with low frequency, so if my constituent misses the bus they are forced to wait for at least 2 hours for the next one or find an alternate way home. My constituent also astutely notes that there have been no new public bus services in the area since 2014, despite the increased needs of the growing local community.
So my constituent asks: will the minister consider arranging for the service 838 to operate with increased frequency and consider further expansions to other local services?
Written Response, 13/06/2024
Gabrielle Williams MP,
Minister for Public and Active Transport:
I thank the Member for the South-Eastern Metropolitan Region for her question.
The Allan Labor Government recognises the important role buses play in meeting the travel needs of residents in Beaconsfield.
The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) regularly reviews the bus network to identify where improvements can be made. When reviewing existing bus routes or planning new ones, DTP considers several factors. These include the likely number of users, suitability of the road network for bus operations, development of a direct and easily understood network, and connectivity with other public transport services.
At present, there are no immediate plans to upgrade the bus route 838. However, this feedback has been noted and will be considered in future planning works. I am pleased to advise however that in April 2024, the Government announced over $150 million to be invested in new and extended bus services in Melbourne’s growth areas, including Cardinia Shire.
Route 928 will be extended to provide greater coverage and more options to travel, with connections to Beaconsfield Station. DTP is currently working with bus operators and other stakeholders towards implementation of the new Route 928 service, and I look forward to providing more information closer to implementation.
