By Eleanor Wilson
Community calls for an improved bus network in Pakenham have been aired in Parliament, with Pakenham MP Emma Vulin raising the issue during question time on 16 August.
Speaking from the chamber, Ms Vulin asked Transport Minister Ben Carroll for an update on Victoria’s Bus Network Plan, which is more than two years into a 10-plus year redesign.
“As my electorate grows I am being regularly approached by constituents and receiving feedback in my new electors surveys from residents interested in local bus services,” she told the parliament.
“I am proud to be part of a government that invests in my community. But with my community growing at a rate of three families a day, there is need for public transport.
“Not all of my constituents, despite the high level of car ownership, have the option to use a private vehicle, so public transport is essential.”
While ABS data shows the shire’s population has grown by about 36,000 residents since 2014, bus services in the area have not increased since then.
Statistics from Cardinia Shire Council show only 39 per cent of the population have access to a bus stop with a functioning bus service, compared to 95 per cent suggested in the Victorian Planning Provisions (VPP).
Across the municipality, residents must travel, on average, over 2.2 km to access a bus stop with a regular 30-minute service.
That distance balloons to over 5.2 km for stops with a regular 15-minute service.
The council has in the past called on the government to come to the table on an integrated transport strategy to upgrade key bus connection services, which it anticipates would require $500,000 in funding.
It has also identified several routes which need “immediate action”, including increased frequency of route 838 from Emerald to Fountain Gate Shopping Centre and the regional service from Pakenham to Kooweerup.
New routes and extra stops are also required for route 928 from Pakenham Station to Cardinia Station and route 925 from Pakenham station to Lakeside via The Avenue, as well as more buses to service new and old estates in Pakenham, Officer and Lang Lang.
Presented in June 2021, Victoria’s Bus Network reform sets out plans to transform the network, with the government ensuring better connected routes at higher frequencies.
The overhaul is currently in its first of three phases, which looks at low-cost actions to improve user experience and establishing the pipeline of packages for the following years.
Reform pilots are currently underway in other parts of the state including Melbourne’s North and North Eastern Suburbs, along with Mildura.
The government has also commenced zero-emission bus trials across the state, investing $20 million in a three-year trial aimed at achieving net-zero emissions on new buses from 2025.
Phase two of the reform is projected to begin next year, working to implement successfully trialled initiatives and roll out measures to maintain and improve performance of the bus network.
Despite the concerns surrounding bus connectivity, Ms Vulin said the government is working hard on improving other public transport services in the Pakenham electorate.
That includes current work to remove four level crossings in Pakenham and an extension of the rail line to East Pakenham, as well as plans for two additional stations.
“The Metro Tunnel and associated network improvements will create room for 121,000 passengers every week on the Pakenham line during peak periods,” Ms Vulin said
“That’s 45 per cent more peak capacity.”
“The Metro Tunnel will connect the Pakenham line to the Sunbury line with five new underground stations and save up to 15 minutes on a journey to Parkville and 25 minutes to St Kilda Road.
“As a local representative for the Pakenham area, I will continue to advocate for more – and more buses is something we need as we continue to grow.”
