Ros SPENCE (Yuroke) (11:54:02) — (14 608) My constituency question is to the Minister for Public Transport. What information can the minister provide on further improvements to bus services in Craigieburn? The recent announcement of new timetables, including more frequent services on route 529 and an extension of route 533 to Craigieburn central, have been welcomed by local residents, in particular by Hume Anglican Grammar families, who are delighted that for the first time students are able to catch public transport with a new bus stop right outside the school. I would greatly welcome any further opportunities to expand access to public transport for Yuroke residents, in particular in areas not currently reached by services. I welcome any information the minister can provide on any future changes that will facilitate this.

Response:

I thank the Member for Yuroke for her question, and for her passionate advocacy on behalf of her constituents for better bus services.

The Andrews Labor Government is committed to improving bus services across Victoria, and has invested around $200 million to build stronger, better-connected networks. This includes adding routes and services, creating more direct routes, and increasing service frequencies.

I and pleased to advise that, in August 2018, the Route 541 bus will be extended to Mount Ridley Road in Craigieburn, giving students and residents in Craigieburn’s north a bus connection for the first time.

Route 541 (Broadmeadows Station to Roxburgh Park) will run along Aitken Boulevard through Craigieburn and terminate at Mount Ridley Road. The longer route will connect locals to key destinations, including Highlands shopping centre, Mount Ridley P-12 College, Craigieburn Central shopping centre, and the Hume Global Learning Centre and Library.

It means that more Craigieburn residents will also gain public transport access to Roxburgh Park train station and shopping centre, Roxburgh College, Broadmeadows Station and shopping centre, and the Kangan Institute.

This change follows recent upgrades to bus services in Craigieburn, including the extension of all Route 528 services to Craigieburn Central and more morning peak services for Route 529.

When reviewing existing bus routes or planning for new ones, Transport for Victoria (TfV) considers a range of factors including the likely number of users, suitability of the road network for bus operations, development of a direct and easily understood network, and connectivity with other public transport services.

I have asked TFV to consider the feedback you have raised on the behalf of Yuroke residents.

Hon Jacinta Allan MP
Member for Bendigo East
Minister for Public Transport