Survey for town bus

By Kath Gannaway
HEALESVILLE residents are being asked put pen to paper to get a targeted bus service in the town.
Yarra Ranges Transport Connect (YRTC) is working with local organisations to get a mini-bus service up and running.
The aim is to provide a service to residents in areas not serviced by the regular bus route.
A survey form to establish the level of demand and the areas where a service is needed will be mailed out to residents between 15 and 19 September.
YRTC is working in conjunction with Shire of Yarra Ranges councillor Jeanette McRae, McKenzie’s Bus Services, Healesville Chamber of Commerce (HCC), Healesville Interchurch Community Care (HICCI) and township group Community 3777 on the project.
“We are trying to get a little town bus service which will get out to areas where the big buses just can’t go,” said HCC president Joanne Tate.
McKenzie’s manager Brad Sanders said while the company runs buses to service a large area of Healesville, there are many streets which are too narrow or have other physical limitations to running the bigger buses.
Kerry Goding who runs HICCI’s transport operation for older residents said the proposed service was not just for the elderly.
“We envisage this being used by young people as a way of getting in and out of the town, by mums and dads with young children, people just wanting to go shopping, or to the doctors, and to connect with buses to go out of the town.”
The wheels have already been put in motion for a much-needed service.
Ms Tate said it is vital now that people let the steering committee know where and when it is needed … or if it is needed.
Anyone who doesn’t receive a survey in the mail can pick one up at the Shire’s Community Link office.
Surveys will need to be returned by 10 October.
For further information on the services or the survey contact YRTC facilitators Glenda George or Kaz Mackay on 0432 603 442.