A frustrated Tarneit resident is calling on the state government upgrade bus services and amenities in Tarneit and Truganina.
Aijaz Moinuddin said bus stops need rapid modernisation that would include shelters and digital timetables.
“There is just a massive amount of people I see out in the cold throughout the winter,” Mr Moinuddin said.
“There isn’t even a seat at many of the bus stops and people are just sitting on the curb.”
He also said that he has personally had to tell people not to sit on the curb for their own safety.
“We need some digital boards at the bus stations across the two suburbs, so commuters can be made more aware of any delays and stay on track,” Mr Moinuddin said.
According to Mr Moinuddin, creating a new route that follows the path of the 182 but detours down Wootten Road would help ease traffic by allowing students from nearby schools to take public transport.
“That is a massive street that public transport escapes, it would really let young students and parents get to and from school and their sporting events,” he said.
Cr Preet Singh has supported the call for upgrades.
“We’re urging the state government to step up and support increasing funding for weather- proof bus shelters – particularly in high demand and growth areas, such as Truganina and Tarneit,” Cr Singh said.
“Why should our residents be left out in the cold? We have many elderly residents who rely on public transport and they deserve protection from the elements.”
A spokesperson for the Department of Transport and Planning said the state government provides more than 200 bus shelters across Wyndham.
“We know how important buses are to local communities – which is why we’re getting on with improving routes and adding new services, especially in growing areas like Wyndham,” the spokesperson said.
Star Weekly understands the state government has added more frequent services on routes 170 and 180 that run between Tarneit and Werribee.
It is also understood that the state government works with councils to determine the feasibility of installing bus shelters.
