Elsie Lange
The Liberals and Nationals have pledged 45 new bus routes across the state, including a Sunday service for the 479 Airport West Shopping Centre to Sunbury via Melbourne Airport.
With three weeks until the election, Liberals leader Matthew Guy joined Sunbury Liberal candidate Simmone Cottom to announce the $160 million package in town on Friday.
The proposed new or expanded routes are set to benefit those in outer suburbs and regional areas, with another 20 to be reviewed for further expansion.
“People shouldn’t have to rely on taxis or rideshare services to get to a train station, a bus should get them there,” Mr Guy said.
“We will deliver an affordable, better public transport system so Victorians can put those savings into what really matters.”
The announcement complements the coalition’s pledge to cap metropolitan public transport fares at $2 a day.
Liberals public transport spokesperson Danny O’Brien said regional Victorians deserve better bus routes.
“There are too many gaps in the system … and people in regional areas know services simply aren’t good enough,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Our plan delivers real solutions for better bus routes right across the state, and it’ll cost Victorians less to use them.”
Last week Ms Cottom promised a FlexiRide service for Sunbury, operating from 6am to 9.30pm on weekdays, 7am to 9.30pm on Saturdays and 8am to 9.30pm on Sundays and public holidays.
The service won’t have a fixed route, so passengers can book a seat and be collected at their nearest pick up location to be transported to dedicated hubs around town.
“Our bus line has had the same routes for 12 years now, and it’s vital we extend the lines into new estates and extend the hours to help more locals get home,” she said.
Public transport has been a key feature of the Victorian election campaign, with the coalition and Labor both promising cheaper regional train fares.
– with AAP
