As Greater Shepparton continues to grow, bus routes and services are no longer meeting demand, with The Nationals Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe, sponsoring a petition for a bus service review of the region.
The last review was completed more than 15 years ago, well before extensive residential developments occurred across Kialla, Congupna and Shepparton East which are not serviced by current bus routes. Greater Shepparton’s population and housing development are increasingly placing strain on existing bus services.
Ms O’Keeffe outlined the importance of public transport services for the liveability of the region, supported by the calls of local bus service operators and the community.
“Several operators across the region have contacted me to highlight the urgent need for expanded bus services and additional routes across Greater Shepparton,” Ms. O’Keeffe said.
“They are frustrated, they want to provide increased much needed services, but their hands are tied until a bus review is completed.”
Business owner and Kialla resident Kammy Dhillon who started the petition said, “it is hard to believe that the transport needs have not progressed for over 15 years considering the growth of the area.
“As a business owner I have staff that need public transport to get to work. They can’t depend on family and friends and are having to pay for taxis.
“Kialla has had significant growth and with that comes the need for public transport.
“I urge the community to get behind this petition that will be tabled in Parliament by our local MP Kim O’Keeffe.”
Ms O’Keeffe said “I have been constantly calling on the Minister for Public and Active Transport, Gabrielle Williams, to acknowledge the growth of the region and to support the much-needed review and increased services.”
“Since the last bus review, new housing estates have emerged, many of which lack any public transport connection to Shepparton’s CBD or surrounding areas.
“Accessible and reliable public transport plays a crucial role in the daily lives of so many people with a bus review critical to ensuring we can align services with demand.”
Ms O’Keeffe is encouraging all residents of the Greater Shepparton region to sign the online petition before it closes on February 3.
“The current petition calls on the Victorian Government to undertake an extensive bus service review for Shepparton and its surrounds,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
“The Department of Transport and Planning is responsible for these town bus routes which are no longer serving the needs of our broader community.
“I encourage everyone across the region to sign the open petition, call on the government to conduct a bus review and ensure our bus routes work for the Greater Shepparton of today and the future.”
The physical petition can be signed at Ms O’Keeffe’s office at 318 Wyndham St Shepparton and the e-petition can be signed on Parliament of Victoria’s website here: https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/petitions/shepparton-bus-service-review/
