Geelong’s north to have say on public transport

CONTROVERSIAL changes to public transport services will be up for discussion at a public forum in northern Geelong on Tuesday night.
The Liberals will host the event as a second opportunity to raise concerns after more than 120 people attended a similar forum at Grovedale two weeks ago.
“Those in the northern part of Geelong are invited to have their say and put on record their frustrations with local and commuter public transport services,” said local Upper House MP Simon Ramsay.
“There will also be an opportunity to discuss ways to improve both bus and rail services.
“These meetings have been timed so the collective views can be delivered to the PTV Network Community forums, which are primarily designed to provide a future blueprint for a Regional Transport Network – the PTV forums are not intended to deal with current problems in our transport system.”
The recent changes have angered bus users in particular, with many complaining of lost services and longer walks to catch buses.
Mr Ramsay brushed off criticism from local Labor MPs that the Liberal forums were a “stunt”.
“The forum in Manifold Heights is a genuine desire to listen to the problems with our train and bus services from locals and commuters, and identify ways to improve the services,” he said.
“We know the peak train services are overcrowded, dirty and often running late. We know we need a faster, more-reliable service from Geelong to Melbourne.
“We know we need an additional service to Warrnambool. We know the bus routes and timetables are not suiting many older users.
“And we know similar problems exist in Lara and the Ballarat rail service. We know you know but we need your views, your name on a petition, your support either by attendance or email, by weight of numbers and voice, so your members of parliament can advocate successfully for change and improvement.
The forum will begin 7pm Tuesday at Manifold Heights Baptist Church Hall, on the corner of Volum St and Shannon Ave.