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Nightrider Delegation Meets In Parliament

Less than 24 hours after Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky spruiked the success of metropolitan NightRider services in Question Time

By Russell Northe - 12th August 2009 - Back to News

The Nationals Member for Morwell Russell Northe has led a delegation of Traralgon CBD Safety Committee members in Parliament for discussions on the Latrobe Valley NightRider.

With interim funding set to run out at midnight this Sunday, Mr Northe, Narracan MP Gary Blackwood and local committee members stated their case for ongoing funds to Minister Kosky’s advisor and representatives of the Department of Transport (DOT) this morning.

On Monday, the committee were disappointed to receive a letter from Minister Kosky advising that her department "does not fund these types of services," however Mr Northe said the group was optimistic given news the decision will be reviewed after today’s talks.

"We believe there is now a better understanding of the many positive outcomes the NightRider is delivering in our community," Mr Northe said following the meeting.

"The cost of providing the service is relatively little, especially when one considers the range of benefits to the Latrobe community and we are confident this will now be taken into consideration by the Minister and her department.

"DOT have requested a business case be provided in addition to the funding submission previously supplied and as current funds expire this weekend, I am pleased the department has agreed to respond to the committee by the end of the month," he said.

Mr Northe thanked the Minister for providing the delegation with an opportunity to share their views in person and said the community would be hopeful of a positive response following her glowing review of the NightRider program in Parliament yesterday.

Comments from Minister Kosky in the house yesterday included:

"A record number of people are now using NightRider bus services because they are accessible, they are safe, they are efficient and they are very affordable."

"For parents it is fantastic; it gives them peace of mind because they know their son or daughter has… safe and affordable late-night travel"

"It is a fantastic service."

"For young people it is a very easy service. It is an inexpensive way for them to travel, and they can travel safely late at night on the weekends."

"All members of the house should tell their children about it, if they are old enough to go out on a Friday and Saturday night."

"It demonstrates that when the investment is made in public transport… you really get the returns in terms of record numbers of people using these services."

"Local youth deserve the same opportunities and parents equal peace of mind and I am sure the Minister is now fully aware of the wide-ranging support for the continuation of a valley NightRider service," Mr Northe said.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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