Ms SPENCE (Yuroke) (11:45:35) — (13 927) My constituency question is for the Minister for Public Transport. What information can the minister provide to update Yuroke residents on potential improvements to bus services in the Yuroke electorate? In October 2016 I was thrilled to provide Greenvale North residents with access to public transport with the introduction of the new 543 bus route. As the minister knows, more improvements are required, particularly in the Craigieburn area, the third fastest growing suburb in the country, which was ignored by the former Liberal government, with zero improvements provided to services. Indeed the only change the Liberals made to local services was to cut the weekend evening services of the 901 bus, which was diverted from Roxburgh Park shopping centre and railway station. The government is committed to improving services, and I know residents will appreciate an update from the minister.

Response:

I thank the Member for Yuroke for her question, and for her ongoing advocacy for improvements in services for her constituents. The Andrews Labor Government is committed to improving bus services across Victoria, and is investing more than $100 million to build stronger, better-connected networks. This includes adding routes and services, creating more direct routes, and increasing service frequencies.

I am pleased to confirm that Transport for Victoria (TfV) is currently working with Public Transport Victoria on plans to improve bus services in Craigieburn.

I have requested TfV to continue to work to improve bus services for the local community. My office will keep you informed of any future bus service improvements.

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