Concerned about the service demands being created by Sunbury’s rapid population growth, Hume council is calling on the state government to introduce another bus service.
Mayor Geoff Porter called on Public Transport Victoria, Sunbury MP Josh Bull and Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan to consider extending the 901 SmartBus route service to Sunbury, in a letter sent in November.
Cr Porter said the council was “concerned that the lack of development of transport infrastructure to match the strong population growth [would] disadvantage Sunbury residents and potentially add to the effects of economic and social exclusion frequently experienced in outer suburban areas”.
He reminded the state government that the extension of the Urban Growth Boundary meant Sunbury’s population was set to double by 2036.
“In opening up new land for development, the state government should be investigating the public transport needs for future residents,” the letter stated.
The 901 SmartBus route currently runs from Frankston station through to Melbourne Airport, servicing areas such as Broadmeadows and Roxburgh Park.
As of last week, Hume council said it had not yet received a response from the state government.
Star Weekly contacted Mr Bull for comment.
