Tara Murray
A community survey on Melbourne’s bus system has found that some areas aren’t connected to proper services, while other people are facing significant waits for a bus.
The survey, set up by The Friends of Earth Melbourne, through their sustainable cities collective, is the next stage of their Better Buses for the West campaign,
The campaign is calling for frequent, reliable and electric buses in Melbourne’s west, and a better bus network statewide.
Commuters across the state are encouraged to fill out the crowdspot survey, highlighting issues with the bus network.
The group’s Laura Sykes said they wanted to build on the community momentum they had been gaining.
“We want to engage with community members,” she said. “There’s a need for bus reform and change is needed.
“It provides people the opportunity to share what they think about local bus routes, the frequency and connectivity.
“We want to use the data and present the key findings to local MPs.”
Ms Skyes said while they were still focusing on the west, they wanted to bring in other people who were concerned in other areas about bus services.
She said the survey had been online for about two weeks and they’ve already had more than 200 responses.
She said they were already finding some interesting results.
“A lot of people are complaining that buses aren’t connecting with train stations and shopping centres, which is surprising. That is kind of what they are there for.
“Wait times are really the main issue, some people are waiting 50 minutes and missing connections. They’re missing out on opportunities.
“People also want to see electric buses, as pollution is an issue in the west.”
Ms Sykes said they had already received a number of responses about the lack of connectivity within Wyndham.
She said estates near Laverton North weren’t being connected with Tarneit station, while people in Truganina, Point Cook and Hoppers Crossing have raised complaints.
The survey will be open until the new year, with the group to start local advocacy in areas of concern once the data is analysed.
Details: betterbusesvic.crowdspot.com.au/page/welcome
