Gerald Lynch
Public transport issues have been a hot topic in Brimbank for many years, but an end to transport troubles is nowhere in sight, as frustration among locals continues to grow.
As part of the state budget, an investment was made into public transport in growth areas including Cardinia, Casey, Hume, and Wyndham, as part of the growth areas infrastructure contribution (GAIC).
Brimbank was not included.
Deer Park resident Joh Bauch said the bus services throughout Deer Park and Derrimut are not good enough, and do not cater for the entire community.
“I am still surprised and shocked with the Deer Park to Derrimut Bus service. Route 400 is the only bus service that runs through the suburb of Derrimut and it is extremely insufficient,” he said.
“I believe residents should live within 400 metres from a bus stop. Some Brimbank residents live more than 1200 metres away from the nearest bus stop or a 15 minute walk, which could be dangerous at night.
“Even during the school peak, the bus service has intervals of up to 55 minutes, otherwise intervals of 40 minutes.
“In addition there are hardly any bus shelters in the Derrimut Deer Park network, especially and urgently required in cold wet days at present.
“The public transport service is broken, especially in the western suburbs. The neglect of the west has to stop.
“I don’t know any suburb in metropolitan Melbourne that only has one bus service that goes through the whole suburb and intervals as bad as this route 400 in Derrimut and Deer Park.
“When school finishes for the day, the bus is on a 54-55 minute interval, that means if you miss the bus at 2:29 pm, the next bus will be arriving at 3:23 pm, just inconvenient for the peak afternoon.
“I feel sorry for the students who have to wait in the cold and wet weather or walk home as it might be considerably quicker.
“In relation, there are hardly any bus shelters in the Derrimut and Deer Park areas. It is very inconvenient especially during our cold and wet winter months.”
Mr Bauch said the issues are consistent across Brimbank, and that route 400 is not an isolated case.
“For example, Bus 423 which runs from St. Albans to Brimbank Shopping Centre in Deer Park, this service runs at intervals between 40 minutes and an hour and 10, in addition the last bus departs Brimbank Shopping Centre, Deer Park at 6:12pm on Saturdays and 6:11pm on Sundays which is absolutely preposterous in the year 2024,” he said.
“You can’t even go out for dinner as the last bus terminates so early.”
Brimbank deputy mayor Jae Papalia said it is time for improved bus services across Brimbank.
“With the Melbourne Airport Rail being delayed, now would be a great time for the state government to invest in buses and public transport in the west, including a direct bus from Sunshine Station to Melbourne Airport,“ she said.
“Council continues to advocate to the state government about Brimbank’s transport needs in line with the Brimbank Advocacy Plan 2023–2025, and with LeadWest on the Better Buses campaign. Lack of access to efficient public transport increases financial hardship, impairs health and wellbeing outcomes, reduces people’s access to services, community, jobs, education and social connections. All of this contributes to feelings of community frustration.
“Currently, buses account for only 2 per cent of all trips originating in Brimbank. Peak bus frequency is about 30 minutes and services are indirect, with travel times often close to twice that of travelling by car. Bus route and service provision has not been adequately scaled up in-line with population and job growth in the west. An integrated and safe bus network provides a viable and cost-effective option to private vehicles and will reduce traffic congestion.”
A Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson said the government is aware that buses play a significant role in Melbourne’s public transport network “which is why we’re adding thousands more services across the state including in Melbourne’s growing west.”
“We’re focused on reforming our bus network across the state and unlocking more of the benefits buses can deliver for Victorians including better connections with trains.”
