This past Saturday, March 9th, saw a small gathering of community members at 11 am in Werribee, marking 1000 days since the Victorian government’s Bus Plan was announced with promises of transforming local bus services. Despite the passage of time, attendees voiced concerns over the lack of progress towards a more efficient and reliable bus network in Melbourne’s west.
The rally took place at the intersection of Watton Street and Station Place in Werribee, where participants listened to speeches and shared their experiences with public transport in the area. This event highlighted the ongoing frustration with the state of bus services since the Labor Government’s commitment in 2021 to overhaul the bus network, aiming for enhanced route efficiency, accessibility, and safety.
A thousand days after the unveiling of Victoria’s Bus Plan, the anticipated improvements have yet to materialize, leaving communities in Melbourne’s western suburbs, such as Wyndham, grappling with inadequate service. The disparity in travel times is stark, with bus journeys in Hoppers Crossing, for example, taking four times as long as car travel for equivalent distances.
Despite projections for 2023 to witness the implementation of crucial reforms to meet increasing demand, particularly in Australia’s fastest-growing regions like Wyndham, promised enhancements remain unseen. Critics argue the plan lacks clear timelines and funding commitments, leaving residents awaiting better connectivity.
Elyse Cunningham of Sustainable Cities criticized the government’s inaction, noting the significant impact on residents’ daily lives and expenses amidst a cost-of-living crisis. Simon Tran, a resident of the western suburbs, echoed this sentiment, urging the Victorian Government to initiate a pilot for a more effective bus network in the Wyndham area.
Calls were made for immediate action from the Victorian Labor and local representative Tim Pallas to prioritize bus route reforms in the upcoming state budget, emphasizing the role of buses in facilitating accessible and efficient transport for Melbourne’s western communities.
