Cade Lucas
A new bus interchange at Tarneit Station has been welcomed but will make little difference without an increase in services according to a public transport advocate.
Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams opened the new interchange, funded by the government’s Growth Areas Infrastructure
Contribution Fund, on Wednesday November 22.
Featuring eight new bus bays, the new interchange is on the southern side of Tarneit Station, one of the busiest stations on the V/Line network, with more than 1.24 million commuters annually.
The new interchange also features new passenger information displays, lighting and CCTV aimed at making it safer and easier for commuters to catch the bus or connect to other modes of transport.
Minister Williams said the new interchange would help meet every growing demand in the area.
“Whether it’s the new bus interchange, or expanded parking and bicycle facilities at Tarneit Station, we’re
improving public transport infrastructure for one of Melbourne’s fastest growing communities,” she said.
“We’re making it easier for everyone to travel around Melbourne’s west.”
However, the Public Transport Users Association’s Daniel Bowen said while good, the new interchange didn’t go far enough.
“What would be even better would be for government to invest in a boost to bus services for this busy part of Melbourne,” Mr Bowen said.
“With congested roads and such a busy station, running local bus services every 10-20 minutes, including in the evenings and on weekends, would be justified to get more people out of their cars and onto public transport.
If more people have a viable alternative to driving to the station, then they can avoid the stress of traffic, and get relief from the cost of living pressures of running multiple cars per household.”
One alternative to driving the new interchange does provide for is cycling, with a new a new bike rack included which can be expanded to meet future demand.
Wyndham mayor Jennie Barrera said it would help ease pressure on the station car park.
“New bike parking facilities will also provide 132 new bicycle hoops as part of these works.
This is an extremely welcome addition for Wyndham commuters and residents who use Tarneit
Station.”
