Bus service uncertain
GIPPSLAND South MLA Peter Ryan wants the State Government to commit to funding the Venus Bay community bus service.
A trial period for the V/Line bus, which was due to end in October, has now been extended to December 1.
The service’s future is unclear beyond that date, with a spokesman for Public Transport Minister Martin Pakula saying the “results of the review have not yet been released by the Department of Transport”.
“The service will be extended to December 1 2010 pending the Department of Transport assessing the recommendations of the review,” the spokesman said.
“Decisions to continue, amend or discontinue a Transport Connections Program trial services are based on a review of value, efficiency and program objectives such as sustainability and/or social objectives/engagement.”
The community bus service runs on Mondays, Fridays and Sundays, linking the towns of Venus Bay, Tarwin Lower and Koonwarra with Leongatha.
“Many residents rely on this bus service to do their shopping, attend medical appointments, visit family or friends or to connect with the bus service to Melbourne,” Mr Ryan said.
“While places like Venus Bay and Tarwin Lower are great places to live, they lack many of the basic services and facilities of larger centres such as Leongatha and Wonthaggi and therefore it is vital that public transport links are maintained from the smaller communities to these larger centres.”
Mr Ryan said there were suggestions from residents that the trial could be extended to include a stop at Wonthaggi or alternatively a separate service that could be linked to that centre.
“There is certainly merit in having Wonthaggi included on the route or alternatively developing a specific service to the town which would provide the residents of Venus Bay and Tarwin Lower access to a broader range of shopping and business options,” he said.
“While an expanded service to Wonthaggi would be ideal for the residents of Venus Bay and Tarwin Lower, it is imperative that we maintain public transport links between these small communities and the larger centres such as Leongatha.
“Without adequate public transport, many residents may not be able to access medical treatment, do their shopping or visit family and friends.”
Mr Ryan said Liberal Member for Bass Ken Smith, had been circulating a petition calling for the continuation, and extension to Wonthaggi, of the bus service which had attracted almost 500 signatures.
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