By Alesha Capone
The state government has announced two new bus routes that will connect residents in Truganina and Tarneit’s west to train services.
Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll and Tarneit MP Sarah Connolly announced the new bus routes, which will service newer estates, last week.
The routes will connect to the V/Line train station in Tarneit and the Metro stations in Williams Landing and Werribee.
One of the new public transport services, named Route 152, will run from Tarneit to Williams Landing.
The second new service, Route 182, will run from Werribee to Tarneit via Tarneit West.
Route 182 is set to commence operation in May next year.
Both routes will run every 40 minutes, seven days a week, with higher frequencies during peak hours.
Ms Connolly said: “As a result of these new services, locals will have more options when it comes to getting around their local area and engaging more with local businesses and public spaces.”
Mr Carroll said the new bus routes would allow Tarneit and Truganina residents who work in Melbourne’s CBD to leave their cars at home and commute to a train station.
“We know our western suburbs are growing – we’re making sure every community has the important connections they need to get both into Melbourne and around their local community,” he said.
New bus stops will be built for the two new routes, with the Department of Transport to notify residents and businesses of the locations.
Full timetable details will be decided once a route operator has been chosen and the new bus stop locations finalised.
The bus routes will be subject to a tender process, with the contract to be awarded later this year.
Passengers will be able to check the online Public Transport Victoria (PTV) Journey Planner from April 2021, to check the route’s maps and times.
Both Ms Connolly and Mr Carroll reminded people to avoid public transport if possible during the COVID-19 pandemic, unless they are leaving the house for essential purposes.
