There’s only one bus service that connects Sunbury to Macedon Ranges towns like Romsey and Lancefield. The bus service operates just nine times a day, and stops at a total of eight stops.
In Romsey, there’s only three stops throughout the town along Main Street; Gordon Cresent, Romsey Community Hub, and Palmer Street.
But as the town expands – and with a news aged care facility near the town – more public transport facilities are need, according to bus users.
Sunbury local Mary Nehmy regularly travels to Romsey, and relies on public transport to get her there.
She visits Romsey Community Aged Care, on Goodenia Lane, but said struggles to make the journey with the last bus stop a considerable distance from the facility.
The last bus stop before Lancefield is Palmer Street-Main Street, which is almost one kilometre away from the aged care centre, or a 12-minute walk.
“I have mobility issues. I use a walking stick now and I’ve got severe osteoarthritis,” Ms Nehmy said.
Ms Nehmy is calling for a fourth bus stop to be added in Main Street, close to Goodenia Lane, which she says will greatly benefit residents, families and staff travelling to the facility.
Romsey Community Aged Care wellbeing coordinator Amanda Cernjavic said the limited public transport in the town was a barrier to those visiting the service.
“It would be great to have a bus stop next to the Romsey Community Aged Care as we have families that rely on transport to visit their loved ones,” she said.
“We are rural here so options are limited.”
At the moment, Romsey Neighbourhood House is assisting Ms Nehmy with transportation to the aged care facility.
“I want to be independent, I don’t want to rely on other people … I don’t want to drain their resources,” she said.
“It’s not just me, I’m sure there are people out there, especially older people (who need the bus stop). It would be a value to the community.
“If residents want to go down the street, they can’t, they have to rely on family and visitors and other people.”
Ms Nehmy has contacted Sunbury MP Josh Bull, who she said has written to the public transport minister on her behalf.
She also contacted the bus company, but was referred back to the state government and Public Transport Victoria, who undertake the assessment for changes to bus stops and routes.
“We understand the important role public transport plays to keep Victorians moving and we will continue to review and improve our bus networks,” a Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson told Star Weekly.
“We value community feedback and any changes to existing bus stops and routes will need to be assessed to ensure services can continue to run safely and efficiently.”
