‘All talk, no action’, from bus consultations

Highton bus users still have to change buses to arrive at destinations within their own suburb after a timetable review made no alterations to routes, according to South Barwon MP Andrew Katos.
“This was a sham review,” Mr Katos told the Geelong Indy on Thursday.
“(Transport minister) Jacinta Allen has let down the bus commuters of Geelong, particularly in South Barwon.
“She undertook to listen to public transport users when they said loud and clear they were not happy and wanted different services.
“But the minister has not listened to a word of what the public said.”
Mr Katos said buses using Rossack Drive were now going through to Waurn Ponds Railway Station because the road was now open while a “school run” had been added for Oberon High.
“But there are no changes to bus routes in Highton, Grovedale and Waurn Ponds and, virtually, Belmont as well.
“There are minor changes to timetables, some services might run two minutes differently, but there are no additional services.
“This is disappointing for those relying on public transport, such as the elderly and students.”
Mr Katos said the failure to make changes confirmed his suspicions in November last year when he told the Indy that permanent bus stops were constructed even before the review started.
“They had already started putting in the new bus stops. That’s the height of arrogance.”
Mr Katos said the issues with bus routes would result in greater social isolation, with people for whom public transport was critical facing higher costs because they would have to use taxis instead.
He vowed to continue advocating for change and foreshadowed it as a possible election issue.
“We need more investment in our local bus network.”
The Indy did not receive a response from Ms Allan before going to press.