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Nightrider Bus To Receive Funding Nationals Member for Morwell Russell Northe has confirmed $80,000 will be allocated to reintroduce the successful Night Rider bus service in the Latrobe Valley if the Coalition is elected to Government this month. By Russell Northe - 18th November 2010 - Back to News The service, which ran for a period of time in 2009, provided drop off points in Morwell, Moe and Churchill on Sunday mornings for those needing to get home safely from the Traralgon CBD Entertainment Precinct district, said Mr Northe. "Many people from outlying communities converge on the Traralgon Entertainment Precinct of a weekend and there has been significant concerns relating to antisocial behaviour and assaults in the precinct; particularly on early Sunday mornings. "One of the challenges has been how to disperse visitors and employees of night time venues back to the townships of Morwell, Moe and Churchill. Local taxis provide a terrific service; however given the sheer volume of patrons a Night Rider bus provided a logical choice. "Despite the success of previous trials the Brumby Government had deemed the service as not worthy of funding despite its investment in similar services in Melbourne. For example the Brumby Government allocated an additional $11.2 million to metro services in August 2009, but nothing for services in the Latrobe Valley. "The trial Night Rider bus service in the Latrobe Valley was unique in that security officers travelled on the service with patrons and this proved to be an extremely successful initiative. "The concept itself has been widely supported by local police, Traralgon CBD Safety Committee, venue operators, Latrobe Valley Bus services, taxi operators, business owners and the community in general and it is therefore difficult to fathom the lack of support by Labor. "Labor has failed to acknowledge the need for this service within the Latrobe Valley where the availability of public transport isn’t as accessible as it is larger city centres. The Night Rider service provided a suitable and safe way for many people to find their way home after a night out in the Traralgon Entertainment Precinct or for employees of night time venues. "Its disappointing that the Traralgon CBD Safety Committee comprising of local businesses, police, Latrobe City Council and the general community introduce local initiatives that deliver real benefits yet the Brumby Government completely ignores them. "The Coalition understands the needs of regional communities, and this $80,000 will provide a great foundation for the continuation of this important service." Media: Russell Northe 0408 22 55 23 / Julia Auciello 5133 9088
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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