Local feedback wanted on bus network

The Armstrong Creek, Belmont and Surf Coast communities are being invited to have their say about how to improve the accessibility and connectivity of their local bus networks.

The Victorian government has reached out to locals, undertaking a month-long period of community consultation to gather feedback on bus services throughout the South Barwon area.

Minister for Public Transport Ben Carrol said the government hopes the consultation period will provide important data on how people currently use bus services in those areas and also what would encourage locals to use buses more often.

“The community will play a vital role in helping to shape their future bus services in Surf Coast and Armstrong Creek by giving us a better understanding how they use the network and what we need to do to future-proof buses in the area,” Minister Carrol said.

The Department of Transport will host community pop-up stalls outside Coles, Torquay on Tuesday, October 11 and at the Village Warralily Shopping Centre, Armstrong Creek on Thursday, October 13, operating from 12pm to 2pm and 4pm to 6pm on those days.

Surf Coast, Belmont and Armstrong Creek communities can also provide feedback on their local bus network through the Engage Victoria website until 23 October.

The consultation is part of Victoria’s Bus Plan, a state-wide series of reforms intended to improve bus networks’ performance and efficiency.

Member for Geelong Christine Couzens said community engagement was a crucial part of the Bus Plan process.

“We know how important local bus services are to residents across Belmont and this review will give us a chance to understand how we can further improve their experience,” Ms Couzens said.