Residents say they’ve been left stranded, with no public bus services operating in some parts of Pakenham for more than three months.
On Cameron Way, Rose said signs have been posted near her local bus stop stating that no buses are currently running, following major roadworks that reportedly disrupted previous routes.
“It’s been three months now, and there’s still nothing,” Rose said. “We rely on the bus for everything — shopping, medical appointments, even just getting out of the house. It’s been really tough.”
Rose and her husband are both recovering from a recent car accident on the Princes Highway. Without a vehicle, they rely entirely on public transport to get around. Her husband, who was recently discharged from hospital for other medical reasons, has limited mobility, making access to buses essential.
“My husband has just come home from hospital and can’t walk far,” she said. “We can’t afford taxis every day, it’s too expensive. The bus was our only way to get anywhere.”
Residents are also questioning why school buses continue to operate in the area while regular public bus services have not resumed.
“It doesn’t make sense,” Rose said. “If school buses can get through, why can’t public ones? Adults and elderly people need transport too.”
Many residents say the ongoing disruption has left them feeling forgotten and cut off from the wider community.
“We just want answers and some action,” Rose said. “It feels like no one cares how much this affects our daily lives.”
The upgrade to Racecourse Road is the third and final stage of the Pakenham Roads Upgrade and will be completed by mid-2026.
Big Build told the Gazette that it strives to minimise and manage the impact of construction on local communities and businesses when delivering its projects. This includes careful planning, programming and scheduling of works.
“Our project team regularly provides local businesses and residents with up-to-date information about current and planned works,” Big Build spokesperson said.
“We thank residents and the business community for their continued patience as we get on delivering this important project.”
Department of Transport and Planning was approached for a comment.
