Group lobbies for more trains, buses

THE Public Transport Users Association’s (PTUA) says a strong attendance at the inaugural meeting of its new southeastern branch demonstrates that public transport is a key issue for Melbourne’s southeast.
PTUA spokesman Alex Makin said the inaugural meeting showed local residents were committed to lobbying and advocating for better public transport.
The branch held its inaugural meeting on 7 March to provide a local voice for public transport advocates in Melbourne’s southeast.
Mr Makin said the PTUA southeast branch priorities included lobbying for more frequent and longer operating bus services and more frequent rail services during peak hours along the Pakenham and Cranbourne lines.
He said a train station at Lyndhurst was also seen as a priority.
“Melbourne’s southeast has missed out on safe, frequent and reliable public transport for far too long.
“Residents of Toorak and the inner city enjoy public transport through to midnight seven days a week. It is clear that Melbourne’s southeast deserves better.”
Mr Makin said the State Government had failed to provide adequate public transport for Melbourne’s south east despite it being one of Melbourne’s fastest growing urban areas, and despite Dandenong being designated as a transit city.
“Buses are far too infrequent and mostly do not operate during evenings and weekends, and train services beyond Dandenong offer the worst service frequencies within Melbourne.
“Bus services must receive an urgent funding boost to provide services seven days a week and train services beyond Dandenong must be improved.”
The PTUA Southeast Branch will meet monthly on the first Tuesday of each month. For details contact the PTUA on 9650 7898.