Gippsland › Latest news › Russel Northe MLA

Community concerns with changes to Latrobe Valley bus services

Changes to bus services in the Latrobe Valley do not meet community expectations, Member for Morwell Russell Northe has said.

By Portal Admin - 17th March 2017 - Back to News

Mr Northe joined community members today to call on the Andrews Government to extend the Traralgon bus route 45 that services Traralgon East.

"Over recent times there have been a number of developments in Traralgon East and the extension of this bus services is required now more than ever," Mr Northe said.

"The infrastructure is already in place. The Government must implement this change as soon as possible."

Mr Northe said community members in Newborough have raised concerns on changes to bus services that will come into effect in April. The changes will see the Newborough loop removed from the current route 1 service that travels from Moe-Traralgon via Morwell, with a new route 15 to be introduced, but with fewer services than there are now.

"Labor is taking away one service, rebadging it and returning fewer services to the Newborough community, making it harder for students, the elderly and our region’s most vulnerable to get around," Mr Northe said.

"These changes disadvantage people getting to and from work, doing their groceries, attending medical and other appointments and also for students attending TAFE." Mr Northe said there was confusion about services between Moe and Newborough. Residents in Law Street were notified bus shelters would be installed in front of their property; however the initial proposed route was actually slated for Leith Street.

"Residents want to know why the Andrews Government failed to consult them about these changes," he said.

"Locals have contacted PTV with their concerns, but haven’t received any response - one resident contacted PTV three times in three weeks but has heard nothing."

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Source: www.gippsland.com

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