Bus promise in the bag for better shopping connection

From left, Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan, Shadow Minister for Public Transport Jill Hennessy, Narre Warren South MP Judith Graley and former Casey councillor Judy Owen at Hallam train station.

By LACHLAN MOORHEAD

THE state Opposition has promised to introduce a new bus service between Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre and Hallam train station if it is successful in this Saturday’s election.
Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan and Narre Warren South MP Judith Graley made the pledge at the station last Thursday, which Mr Donnellan said would be part of a Labor Government’s $100 million investment to improve local bus networks.
“Labor’s new service will provide Hallam residents direct access to Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre and Endeavour Hills residents direct access to Hallam station,” Mr Donnellan said.
“The Liberals cut bus services that students, families and seniors relied on.
“Labor will invest to improve and expand our local bus services.”
Ms Graley said a “ministerial consultative group” for public transport would also be set up under a Labor Government.
“Labor will also give councils and the local community a stronger voice in bus network planning,” Ms Graley said.
“A ministerial consultative group will be established, bringing together users, operators, Public Transport Victoria, the RACV, representatives of workers and industry, and local government, to consider and advise on opportunities to improve Victorian public transport system and networks, including buses.”