PETITIONS bearing almost 1200 signatures have been tabled in State Parliament as residents of Laverton, Point Cook and Hoppers Crossing continue pressing the government to reverse controversial changes to the suburban bus network.
Some Point Cook residents have reported that travel times have doubled since the opening of Williams Landing train station, while Laverton residents are having to take buses and trains to get to supermarkets and a medical centre.
Public Transport Minister Terry Mulder announced bus links to the new station in April, including three routes through Point Cook, one from Hoppers Crossing via Wyndham Vale and Truganina and another from Hoppers Crossing via Point Cook. The new routes are running on a 22-minute timetable and replace the 413 and 416 Hoppers Crossing-Laverton buses, which ran at 40-minute intervals.
Representatives from the state’s public transport authority will attend a public forum at Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club on Monday, where bus users and traders will voice their concerns about the cancellations of routes 413 and 416.
Public Transport Victoria spokeswoman Helen Witton said the bus network had been redrawn to “boost coverage, provide better and more frequent connections with trains, streamline routes and provide services later into the night.”
The number of bus services was increased from 697 to 2120 a week and extended into fast-growing parts of Point Cook and Williams Landing. Ms Witton said while some residents had been forced to alter their travel routes, most commuters had been given better bus services.
Altona Labor MP Jill Hennessy said she had been “inundated” with complaints. “People are concerned about their inability to get to Aircraft, and the Laverton community and traders are worried about the economic impact they are going to face.
“A young mother who used to be able to get to Werribee Mercy Hospital and have her children checked now has to get two and, in some cases three, buses; and then there are people with mobility challenges.”
Laverton chiropractor Dr Justin Portelli said many of his patients, including the elderly and people with mobility problems, were forced to take lengthy walks to his Aviation Road clinic or pay expensive cab fares.
“We’ve had many complaints, especially from elderly clients, because now with the weather they’re having to walk in the rain.”
Monday’s forum is at 7pm. Details: 9395 0221
