The bus service improvements announced for 4 October are welcome, but Melbourne’s west needs greater investment in a fast, frequent network that makes everyday journeys easier.
Mt Atkinson resident Jaksha Shah said frequent, direct bus connections would give residents more independence and better access to essential services
“We welcome investment in better buses. But in Mt Atkinson, we have just one bus route connecting us to Rockbank and Tarneit. For a city-bound journey via Rockbank, we first travel in the opposite direction,” Ms Shah says.
“We need a fast, frequent grid that would give us direct connections to shopping centres like Woodgrove and Watergardens, and to Caroline Springs Station as an alternative train connection. Getting to the shops, school or a medical appointment should be manageable without a car.”
Ms Shah calls for a funded western suburbs bus plan with clear delivery dates. The Better Buses for the West proposal from Melbourne University proposes a grid based network that would see buses come every 10 minutes on priority routes, coordinating with train connections, and services that run later at night and throughout the weekend - a system that would cost the same as the existing infrequent, long and winding bus routes.
“The west deserves more attention and investment. Better buses would give our children more independence, families more choice and residents better access to jobs and services. Where we live should not limit the opportunities we can reach.”
For more comment:
Jaksha Shah
Mt Atkinson resident
+61426014143