By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
PROPOSED bus service cuts would force elderly and unwell Newtown residents to sell up and move, they have told the Independent.
More than 200 residents around the Barwon River end of West Fyans St have signed a petition protesting the Public Transport Victoria (PTV) cuts.
One of the petition organisers, Lionel Tunnell-Jones, said many elderly and unwell residents would be left without transport.
“This is a very steep area and you cannot expect the elderly and unwell to climb that hill up West Fyans St, Ardlui Dve or Camden Rd to access public transport,” he said.
“Cutting the route completely will disenfranchise quite a lot of people. It may not be a heavily patronised service but the people who do use it really do need it.
“The only service would be five blocks away on Shannon Ave near Stinton Ave. Most of those that use the service currently are elderly and people with a disability and do not have a car.
“A number have told me that if the route is cut they would have to move somewhere where they have access to public transport.
“For that to happen would be morally wrong.”
Mr Tunnell-Jones said residents hoped the new State Government would reconsider the cuts.
PTV said a new bus network proposed for Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula provided more-direct routes, higher frequency of services and improved connections with trains.
Mr Tunnell-Jones said Geelong was growing and aligning bus timetables with trains was a step in right direction.
“But it appears we’re to be collateral damage. It would be nice if they can get it right for all of us.
“We don’t want to see the community here disadvantaged for someone else. Everyone is entitled to public transport but not at our expense.”
The petition will be presented to new Geelong MP Christine Couzens next week.
Geelong council has extended its opportunity for feedback on the proposed bus network until 30 January.
