Extend night buses: Call

By Rebecca Fraser
CASEY councillor Lorraine Wreford has called for the NightRider bus service to be extended to Casey.
Her comments have drawn strong support from the Narre Warren Traffic Management Unit (TMU), which believes the State Government initiative could deter young drivers in Casey from getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol.
The night time bus service’s last stop is currently Dandenong Railway Station.
Cr Wreford said Casey desperately needed the service to cater for the city’s growing youth population.
“We need to ask ourselves: Where is the youth population?” she said.
“In Casey there is a growing number of 18 to 24yearolds and the government needs to look at where they are living and where the younger demographics are.”
Cr Wreford said the bus service could bring many benefits to Casey and improve road safety.
“Even if the buses came out to a central point, maybe even Fountain Gate, so that people could wait for taxis in a lit area,” she said.
“This is 100 per cent a safety issue and will encourage people not to drink and drive.
“Young people need to do the things they want to do and be entertained.”
Sergeant Pat McGavigan of the Casey TMU supported the idea of a NightRider bus service in the municipality.
“This would deter people from drinking and driving and would be a very valuable service,” Sgt McGavigan said.
“At the moment the bus just stops a little short.”