MEDIA RELEASE
Greater South East Melbourne (GSEM) is calling on all political parties to back targeted investment in better buses, roads and transport connections across Melbourne’s rapidly growing south east ahead of the State Election.
GSEM is calling for a $100 million Greater South East Bus Transformation Program to modernise and strengthen the region’s public transport network.
The region is one of Victoria’s most important transport corridors. Every day, thousands of freight trucks move goods in and out, while tens of thousands of people commute to work, school and services.
GSEM Chair Simon McKeon AO said investment in the GSEM transport network was essential for the growing region from both a logistical and cost of living perspective.
“Better buses allow people to save money on driving, which is increasingly important amidst mounting cost of living pressures,” Mr McKeon said.
“We also know that when people and freight can’t move efficiently through our region, the impacts are felt more broadly across Victoria. We need targeted investment in key road corridors and better bus services so people can get where they need to go affordably, safely and reliably.”
GSEM representatives gathered at a bus stop in Baxter which that sits alongside an 80km/hour road with no shelter to wait for the infrequent bus service serving across the Peninsula. They say it is an example of where there needs to be more investment in local buses.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Cr Stephen Batty said the issue is particularly important to local residents.
“The stop we are at today is a clear example of why investment in our local bus network and infrastructure is needed,” Cr Batty said.
“At the moment, there is simply a sign beside a busy 80km/h road. Council has previously received complaints about this stop and we need to see better, safer infrastructure including a shelter which supports people to use public transport.”
“We’re also seeking reform of the Westernport Bus network to be more direct, run hourly and align with the Stony Point line service.”
Daniel Bowen from the Public Transport Users Association says that for many Melburnians, buses provide connections to the places they go, but service operating hours and frequency often mean they're not a great option.
“Better public transport means more choices for people, allowing them to use the network more often for their journeys,” he said.
“That gets cars off the road, helps household budgets, and can help ensure people have better access to opportunity right across Melbourne's southeast.”
Recent GSEM research shows buses are already an important part of daily life for many people across Melbourne’s south east, particularly younger residents.
Thirty-five per cent of respondents regularly travel by bus, rising to 67 per cent among 18 to 24-year-olds. Among bus users, 25 per cent nominated cost savings as the top benefit.
For people who don’t use buses, around one in five pointed to gaps in routes, frequency or journey times as barriers that could be addressed.
Mr McKeon said delivering better bus services would require both political commitment and collaboration.
“We’re calling on all political parties to back this commitment and work with bus operators, the PTUA and other key stakeholders to get the investment right,” he said.
“Bringing the right people to the table will help ensure investment responds to the needs of communities across Melbourne’s south east.”
ENDS
Media contact: Maggie Hill 0404 196 452
GSEM represents the municipalities of Cardinia, Casey, Frankston, Greater Dandenong, Kingston, Knox, Monash and Mornington Peninsula. The body includes representatives from each local council, and is supported by an Independent Board comprising of Chair Simon McKeon and directors Margaret Fitzherbert and James Merlino.