This week in Parliament, Kim O’Keeffe, the Nationals Member for Shepparton District, will call on the Minister for Public Transport, Ben Carroll, to conduct an extensive bus review in the Shepparton region.
Ms O’Keeffe recently met with Greg Fitzsimmons and Roy Dyson, from the Dyson Group of Companies, who provide bus services in the Shepparton region, to discuss the current out-of-date Shepparton Bus Network.
“Over the past 14 years, no comprehensive review of bus services in Shepparton has taken place and the current services do not reflect the growing needs of the community.
“Since the last review, the region has grown significantly, with many new housing estates and areas across the electorate that are not connected to bus routes.
“Services on Saturday are limited, with no services provided on Sunday and there is only one bus that services the Shepparton V/Line train station on the hour, but this does not align with the V/Line timetable.
“For the young, for the elderly, and for others whom driving is not an option, public transport is often the only way to get around,” said Ms O’Keeffe.
“With the rising cost of living and people struggling to pay for fuel, insurance, parking and car registration, public transport should be a viable option, but with the current service levels, taking the bus is not a practical option.
“Dysons and the community have called for this review for several years now and our towns continue to grow.
“Shepparton is a thriving and growing region that needs a bus service that reflects the needs of its people.
“When the Bus Plan was released in 2021, Minister Carol said this plan would include the regions and stated that Labor was committed to delivering a bus network that better meets public transport needs and demand.
“I call on the Minister to ensure that happens,” said Ms O’Keeffe.
“An extensive bus review is long overdue, and a necessity for the region.”