Media release from the Minister for Public Transport

Monday, 29 June 2009

The first stage of a $14.7 million Brumby Government improvement package for South Gippsland buses to be introduced next month will more than double the number of services and improve connections between major centres in the region.

Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky said local bus services and V/Line coach routes will be upgraded to better connect towns with the region and also Gippsland to Melbourne.

“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to improve regional public transport links and buses are a quick and flexible mode which can be tailored to meet the needs of the community,” Ms Kosky said.

“I’m delighted the first stage of improvements will be introduced from July 19 and make it easier for people to get to and from work and to spend more time with family and friends.

In total, the first round of improvements will provide an extra 134 services per week, an increase of 65 per cent.”

“There will be extra V/Line coach services from Yarram and Leongatha to Melbourne and return, with all of these services running express between Kooweerup and Southern Cross Station, a 39 minutes saving in travel time.

“There will also be additional V/Line coach services between Inverloch and Dandenong, with these services connecting with coach services to and from Melbourne at Kooweerup and with Cowes local bus services at Anderson.

“And there will be extra services between Cowes and Dandenong, which again will connect with coach services at Kooweerup. Both Kooweerup and Anderson will become a major interchange for services throughout the region and will have improved passenger amenities.

“All services to and from Dandenong will connect with metropolitan train services.

Upper House Member for Easter Victoria Johann Scheffer MLC said the improvements had been developed based on feedback from community and stakeholder workshops.

“We have sought feedback from community groups and other major stakeholders throughout the area and developed new timetables to cater to community needs,” he said.

“More frequent services and better connections between towns is what people have asked for, and that is exactly what we are delivering.

“This is what people in the region have been saying will bring the most benefit, providing crucial access to employment, health and social opportunities,” Mr Scheffer said.

The second round of improvements will be introduced later this year.

Updated timetables and route information will be available from operators and the Viclink website in early July, visit viclink.com.au (opens in a new window)