By Renee Wood
Commuters are urging the State Government to review proposed changes for the Yarra Valley Bus Network, saying they are taking away a service which is vital to many.
The changes include making Route 684 start and finish at Chirnside Park Shopping Centre rather than continuing on to Southern Cross – meaning passengers will need to take a train from Lilydale station to get into the CBD.
It’s a service Healesville commuter Naomi Simpson Wynd uses regularly.
“You’re saying improvement, but you’re cutting services,” Ms Simpson Wynd said.
Ms Simpson Wynd said the service allows her to have her independence and is of benefit to many elderly and disabled residents.
“A lot of people suffering anxiety problems, they have a lot of trouble getting on public transport. This one is a safe, secure transport for them to Melbourne.
“For anyone elderly, anyone with disabilities, it is so much to get this bus to Melbourne.
“It’s clean, it’s comfortable, it’s direct, which means when I go down to the city for any particular reason, or if I need to get to specialists or hospitals, I have direct access.”
Ms Simpson Wynd believes the transport changes from bus to train to trams will be a big disadvantage if the coach is lost.
“I feel safe, I feel secure, it’s less hazardous lugging cases onto station, standing there in the cold not feeling all that safe. Then getting to the city on a train and then having to get on a tram to go to a specialist or doctor. It’s all just a little bit too much to have to deal with.”
Ms Simpson Wynd was told by the bus driver of the proposed shortening of the route and instantly started sharing the service cuts to others and believes the State Government’s advertising stating ‘improvements’ is ambiguous.
“It’s a little bit deceptive in the advertising and two weeks is not enough for people to get informed and then take action.
“It was necessary 95 years ago, why is it less necessary now when there’s more people up there now than there was in the past?”
The service is also of high importance to tourism as it travels straight from Southern Cross to Eildon.
Other proposed changes to the network include removing Route 687 from Healesville to Chum Creek, consolidating Route 685 and 686 which will see some bus stops removed.
An information session was held at Healesville Coles on Thursday 31 March and some commuters are in support of the changes including Seth Lukas Hynes who uses the Route 686.
“I think these proposed changes to the local bus routes are overall very positive. Consolidating the bus routes (combining 686 with 685) and removing the almost vestigial Route 687 should make planning your bus route a lot simpler,” he said.
“I hope to see far more frequent bus times in Badger Creek once 686 and 685 are combined.”
Although Mr Hynes sympathizes with commuters on 684.
“Route 684 is a convenient and comfortable way for people who cannot drive but are uncomfortable with trains to reach the city, and while the train service is generally very clean and safe, trains pose a greater risk of disease transmission than buses.”
Eildon MP Cindy McLeish is also against the shakeup of the network.
“This is a major shakeup for the community. No longer can people catch a bus from Healesville directly to Eastland, St Vincent’s hospital and Southern Cross Station. This means the trip into the city is all the more difficult with people expected to change to a train at Lilydale,” Ms McLeish said.
“Locals have told me they are nervous of using trains because of aggressive passenger behaviour and limited safety monitoring.”
Easter Member for Victoria Harriet Shing said she has raised this issue with the government.
“Having received this feedback from the community about the need for more time to be involved in consultations, I’ve raised this issue and will continue to advocate for changes to enable more opportunities to be provided for the local community,” Ms Shing said.
“These proposed changes will provide additional services, more efficient journeys and better coordination with trains.”
Further information sessions will be held at the Healesville Coles on Tuesday 5 April.
“I would encourage people to have their say via our online survey, by contacting PTV customer service team on 1800 800 007, or by attending the two information sessions on the 5th,” Ms Shing said.
For more information on the changes visit ptv.vic.gov.au/yarravalley Commuters can also call 1800 800 007 to provide feedback. Feedback submissions close Friday 8 April.
